We live in a world where at times convenience comes with a high cost.

Single-use plastics have emerged as a significant contributor to both environmental degradation and public-health crises.

A recent study revealed that plastics were responsible for producing 5.3 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 and 12 per cent of the world’s oil demand.

With plastic production forecast to likely double — possibly triple — by 2050, plastic production is undermining the world’s efforts to control the climate crisis.

The One Bermuda Alliance understands the importance of reducing single-use plastics in Bermuda. In 2021, the OBA took the bipartisan step of presenting the existing government with legislation we prepared so that it could be considered as part of the Progressive Labour Party’s announced consultation on this important initiative.

Bermuda has yet to see any tangible results.

At the heart of the OBA Bill is a recognition that the reduction — and eventual elimination — of single-use plastics on our island would best succeed by adopting a gradual process. We also recognise that progress will not happen unless and until our island has the collective courage to take the very first step.

To us, a gradual process means a collaborative approach — seeking buy-in from as many as possible along the way.

We don’t want to negatively affect businesses that depend on some of these items to make an income. And we appreciate that in certain circumstances — for example, medicine and fishing — replacement of certain products would take some time.

Yet we also know the impacts single-use plastics are having on the community and the global environment.

What we believe is needed is a legislative road map, starting first with gradual and targeted reduction of certain non-essential, single-use plastic items. And then eventually arriving at elimination of identified items — not by heavy-handed mandate, but by consensus and collaboration.

The OBA’s proposed legislation starts with a few items for removal over the short-term period and, importantly, it then provides a mechanism for other items of single-use plastic to be gradually considered for removal over time, and by initiative and discretion.

The approach we propose would allow transition time for the development of non-plastic alternatives — as well as the sourcing of existing alternatives, recognising that price of alternatives is also an important factor here.

The OBA is committed to improving Bermuda for all its stakeholders. And our proposed reduction of single-use plastics is not driven merely by environmental concerns.

The chemicals found in plastic are also likely to be one of the causes of our health crisis. This is because the chemicals associated with plastics are linked to a wide range of diseases.

Some of the chemicals found in plastic are endocrine disrupters, which are associated with a steady decline in human fertility.

Shockingly, studies have shown that global fertility rates have plummeted by 50 per cent between 1973 and 2011, a trend attributed to lifestyle factors and exposure to environmental chemicals such as those in plastics.

Our exposure to micro and nanoplastics is also causing alarm. According to a recent study, the impact of chemicals used in plastic materials added $745 a year per person to US healthcare expenses. The consequences of our reliance on plastics extend far beyond environmental concerns, penetrating deep into the fabric of our wellbeing. The potential benefits of embracing a plastic-free future are not just environmental; they are economic, social and health-related.

Amid these daunting challenges, a beacon of hope shines on the horizon.

Sustainable solutions that reduce our dependence on single-use plastics in Bermuda are coming into our market. The transition towards using alternative materials such as fibre, aluminium and glass, coupled with a robust recycling infrastructure, holds the promise of creating a more sustainable Bermuda and revolutionising our economy.

One of our goals should be for all potable water to be sold in bottles that are not plastic. Water is a necessity for life and should be as healthy as possible. This should help to reduce healthcare costs as well. By embracing these and other environmental changes, Bermuda can unlock opportunities to create new industries, generate employment, enhance public health, stimulate tourism and lower healthcare costs.

While change may require adjustments and would doubtless take some time to implement, collective action and support are paramount in fostering a sustainable future for Bermuda.

Let us rally behind environmental initiatives, embrace conscious consumption and pave the way towards a greener, healthier Bermuda for generations to come. Using holistic solutions that address the problems and not the causes, we need to make a step towards changing policies that would benefit all.

By standing together, empowering one another and championing sustainable practices, we have the power to transform our island into a beacon of environmental stewardship and wellbeing.

The time to start this change is now. Let’s take that first step together.

• Malachi Symonds is the One Bermuda Alliance candidate for Pembroke East (Constituency 15)