Mediterranean Beaches: What You Won’t See on a Postcard

The Mediterranean Sea normally evokes dreams – synonymous with beautiful vacations featuring its stunning coastlines and landscapes. However, the reality is far less idyllic. Behind the mask of azure blue sea and fine sandy beaches lies a truth that is hard to believe. In fact, a staggering 600,000 tons of plastic are dumped into it each year.

The blame clearly falls on the 22 countries in the Mediterranean region, as they alone generate 24 million tons of plastic waste. This figure is undeniably alarming. Considering that 42% is buried, 14% is incinerated, and, in contrast, only 16% is recycled, you may wonder about the remaining 28%.

Well, they are simply mismanaged, meaning they are not collected, or they end up piled in uncontrolled landfills or even left exposed in the open. This, of course, poses a significant risk of polluting the entire Mediterranean coastline, with all the ensuing health and environmental consequences. It has been estimated that a quarter of the plastic waste generated annually in this region ends up in the natural environment, including 600,000 tons in the Mediterranean Sea.

“76% of French waste is incinerated or buried, and only 22% is recycled.”

The UK has similar or even worse statistics…

The responsibility of each of the countries bordering it has been under scrutiny for several years by WWF, which hopes to implement national-level solutions.

France is a poor performer in this regard, as it is the top producer of plastic waste in the region, generating 4.5 million tonnes of plastic waste in 2016, which amounts to 66.6 kg per person.

Seventy-six percent of French waste is either incinerated or buried, with only 22% being recycled. This recycling rate is quite low compared to its neighbours like Italy, Spain, Israel, and Slovenia, despite France being the largest economic power in the Mediterranean region.

Despite having more efficient collection systems than its neighbours, France still manages to limit its littering of nature. An estimated 800,000 tonnes of plastic are released into the environment each year, with 10,000 tonnes ending up in the Mediterranean Sea.

France's plastic pollution in the Mediterranean primarily originates from coastal activities (79%), largely due to inefficient waste management and the impact of tourism. Twelve percent of pollution is contributed by rivers, while 9% is directly caused by maritime activities such as fishing, aquaculture, and transportation.

Although the majority of waste discarded by France (66%) remains on the surface after one year, it is estimated that approximately 21% returns to its shores, and 11% ends up on the seabed. Once in the sea, these plastics pollute ecosystems and threaten the survival of species.

At the national level, WWF France calls on the government to announce ambitious measures within the framework of the anti-waste law presented in the Council of Ministers, focusing on:

• Reducing the production and consumption of plastics, especially single-use plastics, through new bans, for example.

• Promoting reuse by encouraging the reutilization of products and the emergence of deposit systems for reuse.

• Ensuring 100% recyclability of plastics by eliminating existing barriers (additives that disrupt recycling, non-recyclable resins, multi-layered products, etc.)

This is where consumers must become aware and take measures within their reach, using the many tools at their disposal to act in the interest of and respect for the environment.

So, what are the solutions?

Check out our blog filled with ideas to be even more environmentally friendly and reduce the devastating impact of disposable or single-use products. Pick up your trash when you leave the beach (trash bins are always available), and don't bury your cigarette butts in the sand; they'll end up in the sea.

Becoming aware of your daily actions is already a good start, and then changing your attitudes towards overconsumption and big stores, which not only have created a global problem but also directly contribute to land and sea pollution, as well as excessive plastic usage.