The tourism industry significantly contributes to plastic pollution, with a marked increase in marine pollution seen during peak travel seasons in places like the Mediterranean, a new report by the WEF shows.
Small plastic toiletry bottles, still commonly found in thousands of hotel bathrooms, have long been seen as symbols of convenience and luxury, the group says. However, with growing awareness of plastic waste’s harmful environmental impact, these products’ role in travel, tourism, and hospitality is coming under greater scrutiny.
As individuals, communities, and governments increasingly recognise the need for action on this global environmental issue, various initiatives have emerged across the sector. Key efforts include the UN Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Tourism, which aims to tackle plastic waste throughout the global tourism supply chain.
According to the WWF, plastic pollution levels in the sea can rise by up to 40% in these areas during peak seasons, demonstrating a direct correlation between tourism and the presence of marine litter. Indeed, research from as far back as 1997 indicated that up to 80% of waste in the ocean was made up of non-biodegradable plastic.
Using blockchain technology to fix the crisis
The WEF specifically points to the possibility of adapting emerging technologies such as blockchain and AI to help address this ongoing crisis. One company which is already using the BSV blockchain to help remove plastic from the world’s oceans is Universal Plastic.
Universal Plastic is a scientifically supported (Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies) Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain-based initiative which aims to remove plastic from the world’s oceans.
It has developed the first tech platform to quantify, audit and notarise data from plastic waste collections. This aims to regenerate marine ecosystems by incentivising plastic waste collections led by local communities.
Through the data management of this process, its platform provides an inclusive, accessible, and trustworthy way to align corporations with ESG by connecting and engaging them with local individuals, communities and organisations that are at the forefront of restoring nature.
BSV blockchain core to tracking waste collection
At its core, the BSV blockchain acts almost like a digital notary that authenticates every time something new happens. In the case of Universal Plastic, this means that every move an app user makes during waste collection is recorded securely, transparently, and immutably.
As part of its offering, Universal Plastic offers ONDAs (Ocean Notarised Digital Assets), which represent the environmental and social impact of each plastic collection effort. These digital assets are not just records; they symbolise the tangible benefits generated by cleaning up our oceans. Each WAVE reflects actual efforts to collect plastics, providing a way to measure the success of these initiatives.
ONDAs are secured using blockchain technology, ensuring that every detail of the collection process is accurately documented. This allows stakeholders—from local communities to global organisations—to track the progress of plastic collection efforts transparently and reliably.
