Our Perspectives

Costa Rica paves the way to end single-use plastics

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On 5 June, World Environment Day, the country officially launched its National Strategy to replace the consumption of this type of plastic for renewable and water-soluble alternatives: those that biodegrade within six months.

With a very short usage period, typical plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose. This includes the bulk of bags still given out by the majority of shops, also plastic straws and coffee stirrers, containers and tableware.


The initiative is led by the Government of Costa Rica, through the Ministries of Health and Environment and Energy, with technical and financial assistance from UNDP and support from local governments, civil society and various private sector groups.

Beyond that, we have promoted mechanisms for people, companies and institutions to join the strategy, by registering their commitments, voluntary actions and progress reports, including through an online platform.

We must continue to move towards sustainable production and consumption systems that also generate development opportunities, particularly for at-risk communities suffering the consequences while not causing water pollution. This entails a comprehensive system that cares for people’s health, ensures fair wages and equal opportunities for women and men, while taking care of forests and wetlands.

As stated in the Sustainable Development Goals, it is the responsibility of all sectors and people to ensure a balance between the social, economic and environmental realms, leaving no one behind. Faced with these new social, climatic and environmental challenges, such as the management of solid waste and its impacts on people, we believe that our experience, from a small country like Costa Rica, can become a source of inspiration for the entire world.

Blog post Costa Rica Latin America & the Caribbean Environment Sustainable development Oceans Alice Shackelford

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