Read it here (in Norwegian).
By Joakim Sandvik Gulliksen, Naturvernforbundet, Arne Dulsrud and Harald Throne-Holst, SIFO, OsloMet.
The article argues that recent extreme weather events have made plastic pollution’s consequences more visible and urgent, as floods and heavy rain wash large amounts of plastic waste from industry, infrastructure, and everyday life into rivers and lakes.
It discusses Norway’s national plastic strategy and questions how well it is being implemented in practice. A central focus is the role of municipalities, which both manage waste systems and are themselves significant users of plastic. A study from the REDUCE project (OsloMet and Naturvernforbundet) shows that Norwegian municipalities vary widely in how they address plastic pollution: most focus on littering and cleanup, while fewer take broader steps to reduce plastic use at the source.
Examples show some municipalities adopting more proactive measures, such as reducing single-use plastics or changing procurement practices, while others mainly rely on targeted or isolated actions. The overall conclusion is that municipal efforts are fragmented and inconsistent.
The article argues that national authorities need to better clarify responsibilities and support municipalities with more coherent plans, while also shifting focus from cleanup to actual reduction of plastic consumption. It concludes that local communities are key to making progress, but stronger coordination and more systemic action are urgently needed