The Norwegian Cleanup Model

A new UN day will not solve the plastic problem alone, but the Norwegian model may be worth exporting.

By GRID-Arendal

September 13^th, 2024

Many countries have national cleanup initiatives, but Norway has something unique to offer. A new UN day will not solve the plastic problem alone, but the Norwegian model may be worth exporting.

Originally posted on Altinget in Norwegian

Karen Landmark - Managing Director, GRID-Arendal

Cecilie Lind - CEO, Handelens Miljøfond

This is an opinion piece, and the content represents the author’s own views. All submissions to Altinget must adhere to press ethical guidelines.

The Arctic is a hotspot for plastic pollution, affecting nature both in the sea and on land. In addition to waste from the fishing industry and plastic transported via ocean currents, plastic from cities, industry, and agriculture via rivers poses an enormous threat. The Sandnes River in Kirkenes is the second most polluted river in Norway, and beyond our borders, large Arctic rivers like the Lena River in Russia transport significant amounts of plastic to the Arctic Ocean.

Svalbard reindeer grazing near Longyearbyen. Peter Prokosch/GRID-Arendal

"For the Arctic, international cooperation is crucial to solving the plastic problems."

The world now has an international cleanup day: World Cleanup Day. This was decided by the UN General Assembly in December 2023. The day will be observed annually, and Norway has the honor of hosting the launch. It takes place in Tromsø on September 20.

The theme for the launch in Tromsø is “Arctic Cities and Marine Litter.” While many countries, including Estonia which initiated the UN day, have national cleanup initiatives, Norway has something unique to offer.

A piece of plastic rope tangled among rocks and seaweed. Olivia Rempel/GRID-Arendal

Norwegian Model Attracts Interest

Norway has a unique solution where Norwegian retailers have established Handelens Miljøfond (The Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund) and pay a fee to the fund for every plastic bag sold. The fee is currently 3 NOK per bag. The fund finances the cleanup of plastic in nature on a scale that has never been done before, and supports projects both nationally and internationally to find new solutions to the plastic problem.

A new UN day alone will not solve the plastic issue, but the launch in Tromsø will be used to make the Norwegian model known and inspire others to implement it in their countries.

"You might think that a new UN day won’t make a big difference. Maybe you’re right."

For the Arctic, international cooperation is crucial to solving the plastic problem. Plastic pollution knows no borders, and the Arctic’s remote location makes it particularly vulnerable to pollution that can come from thousands of kilometers away. It requires joint efforts from all nations to create and enforce international standards that can reduce the influx of marine debris into the Arctic.

The Model’s Broader Significance

By changing consumption patterns with economic instruments earmarked for environmental purposes, we can both contribute to cleanup and support important initiatives that make a real difference. The EU has set clear goals for how many plastic bags can be used per inhabitant each year, but our cleanup model goes further. It also contributes to innovation, new jobs, and cooperation across national borders.

“The Norwegian cleanup model shows how we as a society can solve the environmental challenges we face without large costs for the public sector.”

You might think that a new UN day won’t make a big difference. Maybe you’re right—we have enough UN days to remind us that the world has problems and challenges that we must solve globally. But it is local action that makes the real difference. Only through cooperation and comprehensive measures can we protect the Arctic and ensure a sustainable future for the region.