Embracing Sustainability with Puerto Rico's Law 51 of 2022
Written By AD&V®
ABOUT THE AUTHOR | AD&V® is dedicated to advanced and energy-efficient sustainable architecture & interior design that enhances people’s experience of the world and improves their lives.
PUERTO RICO HAS MADE A SIGNIFICANT LEAP TOWARD ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY WITH THE ENACTMENT OF LAW 51 OF 2022.
This groundbreaking legislation prohibits the use and sale of single-use plastics, including cutlery, straws, cups, and foam food containers. For AD&V, this law represents the culmination of years of advocacy and efforts, aligned with our mission of promoting sustainable practices and reducing environmental impact.
As advocates for sustainability, we are excited to share how this law can help you contribute to a cleaner planet.
THE PROBLEM WITH SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
Single-use plastics are a major environmental threat. They contribute to our growing waste problem, harm our wildlife, and take hundreds of years to decompose. Items like plastic cutlery, straws, and foam containers are often discarded after one use, leading to significant waste.
Styrofoam, in particular, is not only an environmental hazard but also a potential carcinogen, making its widespread use particularly troubling. Reducing our reliance on these disposable items is crucial for protecting our environment and ensuring a sustainable future.
WHY WE CARE
Since the firm was founded, AD&V has embedded sustainability into its core values, striving not only to offer top-tier design services but also to leverage our business as a catalyst for positive change. We recognize that our responsibility extends beyond the realm of architecture and design, reaching into the broader spectrum of environmental stewardship. This commitment is not just an add-on to our business model but a fundamental part of our DNA. Guided by the belief that businesses can and should be a force for good, our initiatives have been advocating and encouraging efforts that benefit the environment and society as a whole, such as Puerto Rico’s Law 51 of 2022.
One of our earlier AD&V initiatives that aimed at reducing plastic waste and creating awareness of the issue, was the "¿Cuál es el Foam?" Earth Day campaign in 2016. The campaign highlighted the dangers of Styrofoam—a material that takes over 500 years to decompose and poses significant environmental and health risks—and encouraged the use of compostable alternatives by offering free compostable containers in exchange for petition signatures. This effort resulted in nearly 500 compostable containers given away and over 750 petition signatures, inspiring local businesses and students to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Similarly, for Earth Day in 2021, we launched the "¡Sin Sorbeto Por Favor!" campaign to address the environmental threat posed by plastic straws. By educating the public and placing promotional materials with interactive QR codes in affiliated businesses, we inspired consumers to order their drinks without straws. This campaign garnered over 230 online petition signatures and motivated local establishments to stop automatically delivering drinks with straws.
As we continue to advocate for a greener future, each initiative brings us closer to a world free of single-use plastics.
HOW LAW 51 SUPPORTS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Law 51 of 2022 not only addresses local environmental concerns but also aligns with global efforts to achieve sustainability by supporting several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a set of 17 global objectives established by the United Nations to address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges and ensure a more sustainable and equitable world for all by 2030. Law 51 promotes the following SDGs:
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production - By reducing single-use plastics, the law promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns.
SDG 13: Climate Action - The reduction of plastic pollution helps mitigate climate change, by moving away from products made from fossil fuels.
SDG 14: Life Below Water - Protecting marine life from plastic waste is a key aspect of this law.
SDG 15: Life on Land - By reducing plastic waste, the law helps maintain healthier ecosystems for wildlife.
At AD&V, we have been committed to the UN Global Compact since 2019, challenging ourselves to accelerate the integration of the SDGs into our core business practices. We believe that individual and corporate responsibility plays a crucial role in implementing the SDGs, and we encourage everyone to join us in this endeavor. Law 51 of 2022 represents a significant victory for the ongoing mission towards sustainability.
HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE
Everyone can play a role in supporting the goals of Law 51 of 2022 and promoting a more sustainable future. Here are some simple actions you can take:
Switch to Reusable Alternatives: Replace single-use plastic items with reusable options such as wooden cutlery, steel straws, reusable water bottles, and biodegradable containers.
Educate and Advocate: Spread awareness about the dangers of single-use plastics and encourage others to adopt sustainable practices.
Support Local Initiatives: Participate in local campaigns and initiatives that promote eco-friendly practices and reduce plastic waste.
Implement the SDGs: Integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into your lifestyle and business practices.
By taking these steps, we can collectively make a significant difference in preserving our environment and protecting the planet.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Puerto Rico’s Law 51 of 2022 is a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainability. By prohibiting single-use plastics, the law not only protects the environment but also encourages a cultural shift towards more responsible consumption.
As we continue to advocate for a greener future, it is important to note that any person or company can contribute to the plastic-free movement. Every small action counts and together, we can make a significant difference in preserving our environment for future generations.
For more information on how you can support these initiatives and incorporate sustainable practices into your daily life, visit our Community Initiatives page or follow us on social media. Let’s all work together for a plastic-free future!