Paris, known for its iconic Eiffel Tower and romantic charm, is about to make an Olympic-sized statement in the fight against plastic pollution. The city plans to ban single-use plastic at the 2024 Olympic Games, marking a historic stride in global sustainability efforts.

Source: Paris 2024/Youtube

“We have decided to make the Olympic Games the first major event without single-use plastic,” announced Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo at the International Forum of Mayors against Plastic Pollution. The decision comes as part of a broader initiative to combat the world’s burgeoning plastic crisis, with temporary Olympics competition sites in the French capital admitting visitors only sans plastic bottles.

In a synergistic partnership, American beverage giant Coca-Cola, the official sponsor of the Paris Olympics, will distribute its products in reusable glass bottles. More than 200 soda fountains will be set up, remaining as a legacy for the city post-games. Additionally, reusable cups will be the norm for refreshments during the Olympics marathon, setting the pace for future events to follow.

“Each year, 14,000 mammals and 1.4 million seabirds are killed due to the ingestion of plastic waste,” Hidalgo’s office highlighted in a statement, underscoring the urgent necessity of this pioneering move.

The Paris Olympic organisers are aiming high, setting a goal to halve the carbon footprint compared to the previous Summer Games in Rio in 2016 and London in 2012. This comes in light of a report from the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP) stating that with existing technologies and significant policy changes, countries could reduce plastic Pollution by a whopping 80% by 2040.

Let’s raise our reusable glasses to Paris, leading the way in reshaping our relationship with single-use plastic and setting a new global standard. As we gear up for the 2024 games, let’s each make our own sustainability pledge. Which single-use plastic item will you commit to giving up in your life? Let’s celebrate the spirit of the Olympics, uniting for a healthier, plastic-free future. Together, we can win the race against plastic Pollution!

Solution Not Pollution Sweatshirt by Tiny Rescue: Climate Collection

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