It’s an unfair reality that often those people who have done the least to contribute to the plastics crisis are suffering the worst of its consequences.

Pray for: legally binding targets for countries to reduce plastic production, drastically improve waste management and scale up reuse solutions so that less waste is created.

Our world needs an effective, ambitious plastics treaty that brings about crucial changes to keep the world and everyone living in it safe.

Pray for: decision-makers and leaders to understand the scale of the problem and to put aside politics, self-interest and corporate greed in favour of solutions that will benefit the whole world, particularly people living in poverty.

Waste pickers are informal workers who collect, sort and sell materials for recycling or reuse. It’s estimated that more than 40 million people around the world earn an income in this way, but their rights and livelihoods are often not protected by governments or respected by businesses.

Pray for: a global plastics treaty that secures recognition, a living income, and a ‘just transition’, which means that where livelihoods are affected, plans are in place to support workers in transitioning to better livelihood opportunities.

The church has an important role in bringing solutions to this vast problem, both through taking action and praying for change. As consumers, as Christians and as inhabitants of this planet, we all have a part to play in tackling the plastics crisis.

Pray for: motivation to make daily plastic-use changes (small and large) and wisdom in how to show God’s love to the world around us in the midst of the plastics crisis.