Léman Plastic Action

Modelling the flows and trajectories of plastics entering Lake Geneva

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Léman Plastic Action

Summary

The Association pour la sauvegarde du Léman has mandated the bureau EA - Earth Action to develop, with the contribution of ASL's expertise, a model for predicting plastic pollution in Lake Geneva, as well as scenarios for reducing it by 2040.

Modelling has shown that almost 100 tonnes of plastics reach Lake Geneva every year, mainly via run-off from impermeable surfaces (83%). The automotive sector is the main contributor (33%), followed by the construction sector (24%) and public infrastructure (11%).

Eight scenarios have been devised, each offering the prospect of a reduction in plastic pollution in the Lake Geneva basin, depending on the action taken and the level of ambition. The most radical scenario would achieve a reduction of 75% by 2040 by combining actions upstream and downstream of plastic production with changes in individual and collective behaviour.

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100 tonnes of plastic enter Lake Geneva every year
This is the alarming finding of the Léman Plastic Action study, a model commissioned by the Association pour la Sauvegarde du Léman (ASL) and produced by the consultancy firm EA - Earth Action. Based on plastic flows throughout the Lake Geneva catchment area, the study points to numerous sources of plastic pollution. More than two-thirds of the waste (68%) comes from microplastics from the automotive, construction and public infrastructure sectors. This is followed by macroplastics from the tobacco and agri-food sectors (18%). These alarming figures underline the urgent need for action in the face of ever-increasing pollution.

A growing problem with multiple sources
The increase in the quantity of plastic in our lakes and rivers is a cause for concern. Unfortunately, Lake Geneva and its tributaries are no exception. It is against this backdrop that the ASL has, for the past 10 years, been taking practical action in the field and conducting scientific studies to gain a better understanding of the problem in the Lake Geneva region. To further refine its knowledge, the ASL has collaborated with EA - Earth Action to develop a model for predicting plastic pollution in Lake Geneva and scenarios for reducing it.

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The study also sought to understand the mechanisms by which plastics are lost and leaked into the environment, so that effective preventive measures and management strategies could be put in place to reduce this pollution. Losses can be of various types (abrasion, poor management, voluntary or involuntary contamination, one-off or involuntary accidental leakage, littering, manufacture of materials, loss during use of the product). Among leakage mechanisms, water run-off on impermeable soils is responsible for 83% of macro and micro plastics entering Lake Geneva. 

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Modelling shows that actions already planned are not enough. The Léman Plastic Action study proposes eight scenarios for reducing plastics by 2040. The most ambitious scenario predicts a reduction of 75 % using an approach combining reduction at source, improved end-of-life management of products and changes in individual and collective behaviour. These prospects for reducing pollution in the Lake Geneva basin provide decision-making tools for the Swiss and French authorities, as well as concrete avenues for raising awareness and taking action. Léman Plastic Action has contributed to the development of " Swiss Plastic Action "This is the equivalent of the Swiss model.

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The ultimate aim of this study is to inform the public, the authorities and businesses, and to suggest ways of reducing emissions. The ASL and the University of Geneva are therefore organising the 18 March a free public conference at Campus Biotech. The programme, packed with speeches from specialists in the field, is available at dedicated page.

At the same time, targeted meetings will be scheduled with administrations, managers and the private sector to encourage solutions tailored to their field of activity.

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