By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A recent expert review has warned that plastics pose a “grave, growing and under-recognized danger” to both human and planetary health, deeming the situation a “plastics crisis.” The rapid acceleration of plastic production, primarily single-use plastics, has led to a surge in plastic pollution, impacting the entire planet and costing at least $1.5tn annually in health-related damages. Plastics endanger people and the environment at every stage, from production to disposal, with exposure to toxic chemicals and microplastics posing significant risks. The review emphasizes the urgent need for a global plastics treaty with measures to protect human and planetary health, as recycling alone cannot solve the crisis.
Read the original article here
The world is facing a $1.5 trillion “plastics crisis,” and it’s hitting our health from infancy to old age. That’s the stark warning, and it’s not just about seeing more recycling bins; it’s a multifaceted problem. We’re talking about a crisis that seems to permeate every aspect of our lives, from the food we eat to the air we breathe. It’s hard not to feel a sense of existential dread when you consider the scope of the problem.
The rise of plastic production is staggering; it’s increased over 200 times since 1950, and the consequences are showing up in our bodies. The fastest growth has been in single-use plastics like drink bottles and fast-food containers. And here’s the kicker: less than 10% of plastic actually gets recycled. We need to ask ourselves, what’s the future in a world drowning in this stuff? We all need a solid reeducation on recycling, starting in schools. Maybe then we’d finally start approaching recycling with any kind of widespread competence.
It’s a problem that feels different from past environmental crises. Maybe it’s because the solutions didn’t seem so elusive, or perhaps we’re just exhausted. Either way, there is not a lot of discussion about it, especially when it comes to providing solutions. We need to move past simply ‘recycling,’ which, let’s be honest, is a tiny piece of the puzzle. It’s more complex than that, and it really starts with refusing, reducing, and reusing.
Consider that even a visit to a doctor can reveal the damage, in forms like precancerous growths. The truth is, that one of the biggest culprits is plastics, along with processed foods. So what happens when those in charge seem indifferent to the health concerns? Plastics are everywhere, from our brains to our placentas. This is not just a minor inconvenience.
The reliance on plastic is undeniable. It’s in medical equipment that saves lives, but we can’t stop using it entirely. A two-pronged approach is needed. We need to find ways to upcycle or recycle the plastics we’ve already created, and we have to make more renewable plastics.
The first part of the solution involves public policy, like the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, where companies pay to manage the waste they produce. It shifts the responsibility from the consumer to the manufacturer. Several states are working on this, and it has bipartisan support. We need to push our lawmakers to consider similar legislation.
Another crucial aspect of recycling is better sorting of plastic waste. This isn’t rocket science; it’s simple community action. Like many European countries, with separate bins for specific plastic types.
The second part of the solution lies in funding research for sustainable plastics. We have materials like PLA, which is derived from renewable feedstocks. However, we need biodegradable plastics that function as intended but also break down into harmless components. Research funding is essential, and we should encourage policymakers to support organizations like the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL).
There are so many cool science solutions out there, but we need to apply both scientific solutions and smart public policies to solve this crisis. The fossil fuel industry profits from plastics, and they will actively lobby against any alternative.
It’s not just a matter of recycling our plastic bags. The fundamental problem is that recycling is often expensive and of limited utility compared to using new plastic. So what incentive does the manufacturer have to actually recycle the product when it’s more expensive to do so. We’ve all seen this issue, especially with services where we order groceries, and they come in individual plastic bags, even for single items. We can avoid this all together.
The reality is that even recycling programs often fall short. Many small, flimsy plastics are just sent to the trash. It’s government-led action that’s needed. I am not able to fix this from where I stand but maybe in my own small way I can contribute to solutions. We can’t ignore the health risks, from microplastics to potential chemicals.
The issues can be depressing, but you have to focus on what you can control and remove. Find joy where you can. Take a look at the weather outside. It can be beautiful or deadly. The truth is, we don’t know what’s going to happen from day to day. So we need to do what we can, and not be crushed by what we can’t.
Our minds are powerful. We can choose to cultivate a garden of positivity and action rather than a field of despair. Pessimism is an easy, lazy choice. It is not being a “realist” to be a pessimist. The people who actually solve problems act on their beliefs. They don’t give up.
Even if you aren’t in a position to make huge changes, the way you live your life can influence culture and policy. Cultivate that garden. Don’t let yourself get bogged down by the constant barrage of negativity. We are often reminded of our social media.
You need to focus on those around you. Family, friends, career. The world would be a much better place if we all took those small steps. We need to remember that these are human-caused problems and keep trying to find solutions. Incentivizing manufacturers to produce sustainable products, and giving recycling centers the resources to do better is going to be key.
California and other states are making companies pay for the recycling of the plastic they sell, which incentivizes recyclability. Recycling is only a small part of the issue. We need to produce less plastic. Most things we put in the recycling bin just go to landfills. This is an end-of-the-world kind of situation that we tend to ignore.
Recycled plastics are also part of the problem. If we’re honest, we’re stuck poisoning ourselves. The ultimate solution is to avoid plastic altogether, and the most important thing is that it takes more energy to recycle it than to create new plastic.