CONSULTANCY: Assessment of implications of reuse/refill systems for coastal facilities

 

Call for Proposals – Terms of Reference

About Oceana

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organisation dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-third of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 225 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit www.oceana.org to learn more.

Through our Plastics campaign in Europe, Oceana aims to contribute to stronger legislation that reduces the production and use of plastics, notably single-use plastics, and thereby prevents them from reaching the coast and polluting the ocean. Our focus is on legislation in Denmark and Spain, while we also engage in selected activities at the EU level.

1. Objectives

Millions of tons of plastics enter the ocean each year. Most of this marine litter ends up out of sight: accumulated at the bottom of the sea due to underwater biological and geomorphological features (e.g., submarine canyons) that act as ‘plastic traps’. This plastic litter eventually reaches abyssal plains and other remote places in the ocean. Therefore, actions such as beach clean-ups, surface-based plastic removal, or retrieving plastics from harbours or fishing grounds are far from sufficient to solve the problem. By contrast, measures to reduce unnecessary plastics, reuse materials, or improve waste collection are more efficient than any attempt to clean up plastics in the vast ocean.

Spain is a leading global tourist destination, especially in the summer months when many tourists travel to coastal areas, usually with highly concentrated populations. For example, researchers have shown that plastic litter on Mediterranean beaches triples during the summer months, rising to an average of 250,000 items of litter daily per square kilometre[1], and that Spanish authorities should consider measures to tackle this problem.

We are seeking research that assesses the economic, practical, and environmental feasibility of implementing reuse and/or refill systems[2] at Spanish coastal facilities located in the publicly owned seafront[3] (‘dominio público marítimo-terrestre’) with a focus on beach-bars, although other categories can be considered (e.g., ice cream kiosks, bars, restaurants, fast-food outlets, etc). This research will be used as a basis for advocacy aimed at minimising single-use plastics (SUPs) within coastal areas. Such a feasibility study is essential for demonstrating—based on facts—that curbing the use of plastic within coastal areas is viable and can reduce the environmental impacts caused by plastics whilst benefitting business activities.

 

2. Activities

The consultant will assess (at least) the following points:

a)  The logistic and economic implications (costs and benefits) of eliminating specific single-use plastic products (including compostable, bio-based and biodegradable products) commonly used in beach facilities (cups, coffee cups, ice-cream cups, take-away food containers, bottles, sachets, etc.) by replacing single-use items with reusable and refillable ones. The estimated total cost should be based on a clear definition of what is considered an “average beach bar” for this consultancy, and include considerations for:

  • substitution of disposable plastic products for reusable/refillable alternatives (types and number of SUP items phased-out, number of reusable items needed by an average beach-bar);
  • technical needs for using washable items (e.g., frequency of collection, distance of washing facilities);
  • investment costs in reuse/refill systems (i.e., the cost of purchasing reusable items, and whether savings can be expected if several businesses use the same reuse systems);
  • operational costs of reuse/refill systems per average beach bar;
  • savings from not having to purchase single-use items;
  • break-even point for refillable cups;
  • timeframe needed either to apply certain measures or to complete the transition from SUPs to reusables, considering potential limitations.

b) The environmental benefits of reducing specific plastic items in coastal areas and consequently in the marine environment, based as much as possible on peer-reviewed scientific information including considerations linked to climate change and carbon emissions. Results could be presented with respect to specific SUP items (e.g., plastic bottles, cups, food containers, wrappers, etc.). These should include:

  • an estimation of quantities of SUPs (in total weight and number) that could be phased-out per average beach bar;
  • based on that, an estimated reduction in quantities of SUPs (in total weight and number) from beach bars that eventually would reach the ocean;
  • an estimation of the associated emissions of CO2 and other GHGs that would be avoided.

The initial list of activities could be extended according to the consultant’s suggestions.

3. Deliverables

REPORT

Based on 2a) and 2b), the consultant will elaborate a report in Spanish or English addressing the feasibility of implementing measures to reduce, minimise, or eliminate single-use plastics by moving to refill/reuse systems at food and beverage establishments along the Spanish publicly-owned seafront. The report will also cover the following aspects:

  • Identification of previous or ongoing projects (at local, national, EU, or international level) using specific measures to implement reuse/refill systems and assess their success or weaknesses.
  • Other relevant considerations, with explanation of their potential impacts.

The results should be applicable to Spain.

Professional layout is not necessary. Excel spreadsheets shall be provided as a complement to the text, particularly to provide the detailed breakdown of estimated costs and benefits of specific measures.

The report’s purpose is to provide detailed information to support Oceana’s advocacy strategies under our European Plastics campaign. The document should be practical, not theoretical, but include relevant facts and figures, and full references for sources of information consulted.

Oceana will acknowledge the authorship of the information provided by the consultant.

MEETINGS

The consultant will participate in the following meetings/videocalls with Oceana staff:

  • Kick-off meeting for Oceana to explain and provide any necessary clarifications about the aims, scope, and structure of the report.
  • Final debriefing meeting for the consultant to explain the main outcomes of the report.

These meetings will be held in English preferably.

Ad-hoc calls or other communications can also be held to clarify any doubts that arise during the research and preparation of the report. Any enquiries should be directed to the Plastics Campaign Director, Natividad Sánchez (nsanchez@oceana.org).

4. Proposals and timeline

Candidates for this consultancy should send proposals to Natividad Sánchez (nsanchez@oceana.org), including:

  • A description of their research approach.
  • Their qualifications for this research (i.e., a CV or summary of their experience in related fields).
  • A detailed budget estimate for the project, including all associated costs, and payment schedule.

Note: If the research cannot cover all the points listed in “2. Activities and/or 3. Deliverables”, these will need to be specified.

Timeline:

  • 5 Oct – Proposals due from potential consultants
  • 12 Oct – Consultant selected by Oceana
  • 31 Oct – Contract awarded; consultancy begins
  • 30 Nov – Draft text is submitted to Oceana for preliminary assessment purposes.
  • 16 Dec – Final report is submitted to Oceana.

5. Data protection

FUNDACION OCEANA is the Controller of the Data Subject’s personal data and informs him/her that these data shall be processed in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of 27 April (GDPR) and the Organic Law 3/2018 of 5 December (LOPDGDD), for a legitimate interest of the Controller, providing the following information on the processing:

  • Purpose of the processing: to include the Data Subject in the personnel selection processes, analysing the applicant’s profile with the aim of selecting the best candidate for the Controller’s vacancy.
  • Legitimacy of the processing: unequivocal consent clearly indicated by the Data Subject.
  • Data storage criteria: data will be stored for a maximum period of one year, after which the data will be erased, guaranteeing full respect for confidentiality both in the processing and subsequent destruction. To this effect, once this period has elapsed, and if you wish to continue participating in the Controller’s selection processes, please send us your CV again.
  • Updating data: in the event of any modification to your data, please inform us in writing as soon as possible in order to keep your data duly updated.
  • Data disclosure: Your data may be communicated to third parties because they are necessary to achieve the purpose of the treatment, or by legal obligation.
  • Rights of the Data Subject:
  • Right to withdraw consent at any time.
  • Right of access, rectification, portability and erasure of data and the limitation or objection to their processing.
  • The right to file a claim with the Spanish Supervisory Authority (www.aepd.es) if you consider that the processing does not comply with the current legislation.
  • Contact information to exercise their rights: FUNDACION OCEANA. GRAN VIA, 62 – 7 – 28013 MADRID (Madrid). Email: europe@oceana.org

[1] See https://www.uab.cat/web/newsroom/news-detail/marine-litter-on-mediterranean-beaches-triples-in-summer-1345668003610.html?noticiaid=1345767714685

[2] Refill and/or reuse systems are systems in which containers such as cups, food boxes, ice cream cups etc. are used, returned by the costumer, washed, and used again. This may include the use of a deposit paid by the costumer or other economic incentives for the costumers to return the items. Refill/reuse systems may be operated in-house by the beach facilities themselves or by an external service provider.

[3] As defined by the Coastal Law at https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1988-18762&b=8&tn=1&p=20130530#a3