The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has joined hands with project miracle to take the first step to beating plastic pollution. In Pakistan, while working to eradicate hunger, malnutrition and poverty, FAO is making strides to ensure that it does so in a sustainable manner —contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Project miracle and FAO have partnered to recycle plastic bags accumulated within the FAO office, used banners and standees made out of corrugated plastic material, and other forms of single-use plastic office waste into durable eco-friendly bags, rain coats for security personnel and other recycled material for everyday use — in the process generating employment opportunities for marginalized communities and helping reduce environmental pollution.
“FAO is supporting work to eradicate hunger, malnutrition and poverty, and making strides to ensure that this is done in a sustainable manner. In Pakistan, FAO works with  farmer communities and relevant institutions to raise awareness of climate resilient agriculture practices and water management, to protect biodiversity and earth’s natural resources and marine life, while helping small holder family farmers improve their livelihoods and unlock agriculture potential.  At FAO, we believe that each one of us needs to play a part in limiting the use of plastic, and help improve plastic waste recycling to keep micro plastic particles from entering our food chain, thus ensuring food safety for all.” Miná Dowlatchahi, FAO Representative in Pakistan.
Plastic waste remains one of the most visible and harmful pollutants that severely damages our environment. Today, we are producing over 330 million tonnes of plastic each year. Estimates indicate that it takes up to 1000 years for plastic to breakdown and decompose. When discarded, plastic does not biodegrade but instead breaks down into micro plastic particles which make their way into the oceans and our environment. These micro plastic particles also disintegrate into the soil, thus entering our food chain.  
Plastic packaging accounts for over half of the total waste globally. Increase in single-use plastic has become an inherent part of our daily lives, making it a major contributor to the damage caused by human-activity to our planet. Over the past decade, several environmental groups, political representatives’ and high-level forums have called for urgent action to dramatically cut carbon emissions and reverse the consequences of climate change.