While we struggle to manage plastic recycling and cleaning, there is still no solution to control its production, and without this there is no way that we can stem the flood of ever-increasing plastic waste.

Global plastic production has topped 320 million metric tons per year. Which has been growing from 1950 to a total of 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic, and the remaining roughly 80% has ended up in landfills, in the oceans, or in the environment.” National Geographic.

Unfortunately, we have no real idea of how much plastic is being produced and who is producing it, current estimations are based on production or volunteer groups, so is difficult to calculate, as most products are manufactured in other countries. There is also no centralised database that identifies the world’s levels of the plastic pollution, and we struggle to identify where the plastic waste is ending up.

ACT cans and plastic recycling NOW , for the first time is able to address these issues by using social media to identify the brands responsible. Giving ourselves an opportunity to create the data, that will help pressure groups confront governments, and bring new legislation that will help us manage the way that we use plastic in the future.

Using the power of social media and technology ACT NOW has created a mobile phone App, that takes plastic management away from governments and into the hands of people that care, and less influenced by political or financial agendas. Using this technology means that anyone can take part in the fight against this toxic material, by simply taking a photo of waste plastic during day to day life, to pinpoint brands responsible as well as their location.

The ACT NOW App is a Social Media system, where users can upload photos that will name and shame the brands that produce plastic pollution. Members can then share this with friends as well as post the items on other Social Media sites. Others can also show their support by voting for each other, and likewise share what they see on their own social media pages. Members will also be able to create a group for friends, work companions or represent other environmental groups large and small, working together in competition with other like-minded groups.

Members will be able to see statistics of the worst affected areas near them, nationally or worldwide, while at the same time being able to see the names of the worst offending brands found in each area and label the worst brands and their location.

Few of us have the time or ability to help clear plastic waste, but 70% of us do care and are ready willing and able to start helping, as long as we have the right tools to use. Already social and personal groups worldwide are taking the problem into their own hands, by clearing towns, beaches, oceans and countryside, and now ready to start by helping in any way they can.

Over 250 environmental organisations already show a deeper understanding and support for ACT NOW, including organisations from Indonesia, Nigeria, India, the UK, Canada and USA. We feel that gaining the support of organisations in as many other countries as possible, means that they can help to promote and represent what we do locally, as well as pass on the App to followers and supporters.

It is important for many companies to show support against plastic pollution, especially as the public has become more selective in buying products that are environmentally friendly. Many brands do this to show sympathetic views and offer financial support for environmental projects and organisations.

On a single day on September 21st 2019 (World Clean-up Day) Break Free From Plastic engaged 72,541 volunteers in 51 countries to conduct 484 brand audits. These volunteers collected 476,423 pieces of plastic waste, 43% of which was marked with a clear consumer brand. This shows the level of interest during a single day and gives an overall indication of what is possible from volunteers worldwide.

Detailed data is available to governments and organisations that require a more detailed breakdown of the information. Statistics around specific brands as well as a detailed view of the most polluted areas locally nationally and worldwide.

With your backing we can create a practical solution that can solve some of the greatest problems on Earth today. ACT NOW is looking for thought leaders to help by investing and becoming part of the first global solution that will help control the plastic waste that is poisoning and killing our Oceans, forests, wildlife.