In Croatia, the use of single-use plastic bags has once again increased, despite government efforts aimed at reducing their consumption. According to data released by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition on International Plastic Bag Free Day, which falls on July 3rd, the number of plastic bags used per capita rose from 104 in 2023 to 121 in 2024. This increase contrasts with a decline in the total amount of plastic placed on the market during the same period. The ministry noted that while the number of plastic bags per person has risen slightly, the overall quantity of plastic entering the market has decreased significantly.
The data highlights a reduction in the weight of ultra-light plastic bags, which dropped from 1,083 tonnes in 2022 to 856 tonnes in 2024. Similarly, the total weight of all plastic shopping bags fell from 3,598 tonnes in 2022 to 2,864 tonnes in 2024. These figures suggest a gradual decrease in the volume of plastic contained within these bags, indicating progress in environmental protection measures. However, the effects of mandatory fees introduced for ultra-light plastic bags starting January 1, 2025, have yet to be fully quantified as data collection and analysis occur on an annual basis.
Croatia has been among the first countries in the region to implement measures aimed at curbing the use of single-use plastic bags. These include a ban on placing certain categories of light plastic bags on the market since January 1, 2022, and a mandatory fee for ultra-light plastic bags beginning January 1, 2025. Despite these regulations, environmental organizations continue to voice concerns about the prevalence of such bags in everyday life.
Environmental groups, including Greenpeace Croatia, argue that a complete transition towards reusable alternatives is necessary due to the urgent need to protect the environment. They emphasize that single-use plastic bags have become symbols of wasteful consumption and pose significant threats to the environment. Greenpeace's program director, Petra Andrić, highlighted the success of a petition against light plastic bags signed by 65,000 citizens. However, she pointed out that the lack of oversight continues to allow frequent appearances of such bags in circulation, particularly at markets and bakeries.
Andrić criticized the continued availability of ultra-light plastic bags sold at symbolic prices of just one cent. She described this as an ecological farce that creates an illusion of regulation without effectively addressing pollution. She called for immediate closure of legal loopholes and stricter enforcement of regulations regarding single-use plastics, emphasizing the necessity of transitioning entirely to reusable alternatives.
On the occasion of International Plastic Bag Free Day, the Green Action organization plans to hold a traditional activist performance as part of its campaign "July Without Plastics." The campaign aims to urge the Government and relevant ministries to prioritize human health over the profits of the plastic industry. Ana-Marija Mileusnić, leader of the anti-plastic pollution campaign at Green Action, emphasized that International Plastic Bag Free Day serves as a reminder that health has no price, while contact with plastic affects every human being from birth.
She warned that microplastics and nanoplastics have been found in every tested human body. These particles can be intentionally added to products or result from the breakdown of larger pieces of plastic waste. They have infiltrated soil, water, air, plants, and animals, posing serious risks to both human health and the environment.
International Plastic Bag Free Day is also a chance to raise awareness about plastic pollution and encourage individuals, businesses, and governments to adopt more environmentally friendly practices. It is part of a broader global movement aiming to reduce plastic consumption and highlight the harm caused by plastic waste. These bags often end up in oceans and waters, where they represent a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems.
Meanwhile, Greenpeace Croatia has raised additional concerns regarding harmful gases emitted by the fossil fuel industry. A recent field study conducted by experts from Greenpeace Germany and Croatia, along with research laboratories, revealed elevated concentrations of methane, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide at six out of eight monitored locations. Petra Andrić stressed the importance of reducing methane emissions, noting that it accounts for nearly a third of current global warming. She urged the government to consistently enforce new methane regulations and develop a plan for phasing out fossil gas by 2035.
Greenpeace has launched a project called Methane Detector, an interactive map showing the locations of methane leaks across Croatia, allowing citizens to monitor activities of fossil fuel facilities near them. This initiative underscores the growing concern over the environmental impact of the fossil fuel industry and the need for stringent regulatory actions to mitigate its effects on public health and the climate.
3 reports
Index.hrIndependentCenteryesterdayThe article reports on the continued use of single-use plastic bags in Croatia despite efforts to reduce their consumption. According to data from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, while the number of plastic bags used per capita increased slightly in 2024 compared to 2023, the total amount of plastic placed on the market decreased. This suggests progress in reducing overall plastic waste. However, environmental organizations argue that enforcement remains weak, with lightweight plastic bags still commonly available at low prices, often sold for just one cent. They criticize this as an 'eco-farce' that does not address pollution but creates an illusion of regulation. The article highlights ongoing calls for stricter oversight, closing legal loopholes, and transitioning fully to reusable alternatives.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and acknowledges progress in reducing plastic waste. It also includes criticism from environmental groups like Greenpeace, which highlight regulatory gaps and call for stronger action. While there is some emphasis on the
tportalIndependentCenteryesterdayThe article discusses rising plastic bag consumption in Croatia despite efforts to reduce it. According to data from the Ministry of Environment, per capita usage increased from 104 in 2023 to 121 in 2024, although total plastic waste on the market decreased. The ministry notes that while the mandatory fee for very light plastic bags was introduced in early 2025, its effects have not yet been officially quantified. Environmental organizations like Greenpeace highlight ongoing issues, such as the continued availability of very light plastic bags at low prices, which they describe as an 'eco-fraud' that fails to address pollution. They call for stricter enforcement, closing legal loopholes, and a transition to reusable alternatives. The article also mentions a campaign advocating for health over industrial profits.
Bias read (Center): While the article presents concerns raised by environmental groups like Greenpeace, it also includes official data from the Ministry of Environment and does not overtly favor one side over another. It reports both the government’s measures and the criticisms from activists without taking a clear立场.
N1 HrvatskaIndependentLeft2 days agoGreenpeace Hrvatska objavio je rezultate terenskog istraživanja koje su pokazala povećane koncentracije štetnih plinova, kao što su metan, ugljikov monoksid i sumporov dioksid, na šest od osam promatranih lokacija. Istraživanje je provedeno stručnjacima iz Hrvatske i Njemačke koristeći napredne uređaje za detekciju plinova. Organizacija je pozvala nadležne organe da zaštite zdravlje građana i okoliš, te da sprovedu mjere za smanjenje emisija metana, posebno nakon što je UNOV glavni tajnik António Guterres pozvao na hitne mere smanjenja emisija. Greenpeace je također predložio da vlada dosljedno primijeni novu EU uredbu o metanu i razvije plan za postepeno ukidanje fosilnog plina do 2035.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the issue of methane emissions and fossil fuel industry practices as a critical environmental and health concern, aligning with progressive climate action agendas. It emphasizes the urgency of reducing emissions, references international agreements like the UN and EU regulations,
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