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A new published with the participation of the  outline how the global tourism sector can continue its fight against plastic pollution, while effectively facing the public health and hygiene challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recommendations illustrate how reducing the plastic footprint, increasing the engagement of suppliers, working closer with waste service providers, and ensuring transparency on the actions taken, can significantly contribute to the responsible recovery of the tourism sector.

Worldwide, 80% of the wastewater is released to the environment untreated. Wastewater is often seen as a burden rather than a valuable resource.

It may be difficult to occupy your children as you also work from home. Here are some ideas to engage your children to teach them about the plastic pollution problem. 

Around 80% of the total plastic in the oceans comes from the land. Land-based plastic pollution is caused primarily by inappropriate management of waste of plastic packaging and short-lived products (single and multilayer food and beverage containers; cleaning and personal care product containers; food wrapping and trays; single-use cutlery; synthetic textiles and clothing; and so on). One way to approach the challenge is by transitioning to a circular economy, where the crucial concept is the designing out of waste, rather than trying to deal with waste at the end of the product’s life.

Most of the global population is exposed without their consent to hazardous substances and wastes that increase their likelihood of developing diseases and disabilities throughout their lives. Low- and middle-income countries bear the brunt of pollution-related illnesses, with a disproportionate impact on children, women and the most vulnerable. Air pollution alone kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year.

Many people are not aware of just how much plastic is hidden in their beauty and personal care routine. Switch to plastic-free packaging where possible, pledge to stop using products that contain hidden plastics, and demand change from the beauty brands that use them.

The report is jointly authored by the , WaterAid, and .

UNEP has been supporting the Government of Iraq to clean up oil pollution and sustainably manage and recycle the huge volumes of debris created by the ISIL conflict.