Plastic Predicament: America’s Battle with Waste
By Carrie Dunlea
In the bustling urban landscape of modern America lies a problem that’s as pervasive as it is pernicious: plastic waste. And despite the concerted efforts to recycle paper, cardboard and metals, plastic continues to permeate our landfills, oceans and even infiltrate our bodies.
A recent report by Greenpeace USA paints a stark picture of the situation, revealing that out of the estimated 51 million tons of plastic waste generated by U.S. households in 2021, a mere 2.4 million tons were recycled. This dismal figure underscores a larger issue – the failure of plastic recycling.
The truth is less than 6% of plastic waste gets a second life through recycling efforts. The remaining 94% meets a fate of landfills, incinerators, or worse, ends up polluting our precious ecosystems.
The bottled water industry is responsible for a large portion of plastic waste. U.S. residents discarded 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour — enough to circle the earth four times — or roughly 600 billion plastic bottles and containers in 2021, reports Beyond Plastics.
“This resulted in around 25 million tons of plastic waste — most of which is not recycled and ends up in landfills,” said the nonprofit.
Even when recycling does occur, the process itself is flawed, with a staggering 30% of collected PET bottle plastic material being disposed of during recycling.
A common misconception about plastics, according to the public agency ReThink Waste, is that the chasing arrow triangle with numbers on the underside of different plastic materials is simply the resin identification code which indicates the type of plastic the product is made of.
“It does not mean that the product is actually recyclable,” said the company, adding that No. 1 and No. 2 plastics are usually recycled in the U.S. However, plastics labeled with numbers 3-7, such as yogurt containers, PVC pipe, clamshells, plastic bags and more, are hard to recycle and often end up in landfills or incinerated even though approved by local waste collection companies for recycling.
Plastics, once hailed as a modern marvel for their versatility and convenience, have become a modern-day nightmare.
Scientists, in recent years, have uncovered alarming evidence of microplastics infiltrating even the most remote corners of our planet. According to MIT Tech Review, scientists have found “significant quantities of microplastics in the further reaches of the ocean; in snow and rainfall in seemingly pristine places worldwide; in the air we breathe; and in human blood, colons, lungs, veins, breast milk, placentas and fetuses,” raising grave concerns about the long-term health impacts.
The problem doesn’t stop there. Single-use plastics – the ubiquitous bottles, straws, cups, and cutlery – pose a particularly dire threat. These products, designed for a fleeting moment of convenience, enter landfills and pollute the environment for centuries, wreaking havoc on ecosystems and wildlife.
Much like the food industry, the cosmetic industry relies heavily on plastic packaging for products like shampoo bottles, lotion containers and makeup containers, adding to the plastic waste stream.
Efforts to combat this crisis have been hampered by a pervasive misinformation campaign perpetuated by the plastics and oil industries, touting the false promise of recyclability.
Compared to the U.S., several European countries, however, have taken a more proactive approach to tackling the plastic problem.
The European Union (EU) passed legislation, effective as of 2021, banning certain single-use plastic items like plastic straws, cutlery and plates. The legislation also includes measures to reduce the consumption of other plastic items and promote alternatives.
Additionally, European countries have adopted a comprehensive approach to addressing the plastic problem, including financial incentives and public awareness campaigns. The efforts have led to significant reductions in plastic waste and increased recycling rates across the region.
In the U.S., there are glimmers of hope and a call to action. The U.S. Department of the Interior issued a directive mandating Sustainable Procurement Plans (SPPs) to phase out single-use plastic products by 2032. This initiative aligns with President Biden’s Executive Order 14057, signaling a commitment to reduce plastic consumption at the federal level.
The “Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution” released by the EPA outlines a multifaceted approach to tackle the plastic scourge. It includes “focusing on reducing pollution during plastic production, improving post-use materials management and preventing trash and micro/nanoplastics from waterways and removing escaped trash from the environment, this strategy charts a path towards a more sustainable future.”
But the responsibility doesn’t rest solely on government shoulders. As consumers, we hold tremendous power in our purchasing decisions. And by supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability and reducing our own plastic consumption, we can drive meaningful change from the ground up.
The battle against plastic pollution is far from over, but with concerted efforts and collective action, we can stem the tide of waste choking our planet. It’s time to break free from the shackles of single-use plastics and embrace a future where sustainability reigns supreme. After all, our planet – and future generations – deserve nothing less.
Top 10 things you can do
1 Use reusable products:
Invest in reusable alternatives to single-use plastic items. This includes using reusable shopping bags, water bottles, coffee cups, straws, utensils and food containers. By choosing reusable options, you can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste you generate.
2 Avoid single-use plastics: Whenever possible, avoid purchasing products packaged in single-use plastics. Opt for items with minimal or no packaging, or choose products packaged in materials that are easily recyclable or compostable.
3 Buy in bulk: Purchase food and household items in bulk to reduce packaging waste. Bring your own containers to bulk stores or use refill stations for items like grains, nuts, spices and cleaning supplies.
4 Choose alternatives: Look for products and packaging made from alternative materials to plastic, such as glass, metal, paper, cardboard, or biodegradable/compostable materials. Choose products with minimal or eco-friendly packaging whenever possible.
5 Support sustainable brands: Support companies that prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship. Look for brands that use recycled materials, minimize packaging waste, and have transparent environmental policies and practices.
6 Recycle properly: Make sure to recycle plastic items according to local recycling guidelines. Rinse and clean plastic containers before recycling to ensure they can be processed effectively. Educate yourself about what types of plastics are accepted for recycling in your area.
7 Reduce packaging waste: Choose products with minimal packaging or buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste. Consider purchasing items in larger quantities to reduce the amount of packaging per product.
8 Participate in cleanup efforts: Get involved in community clean-up events to help remove plastic pollution from local waterways, beaches, parks, and other natural areas. By volunteering your time, you can make a tangible impact on reducing plastic waste in your community.
9 Spread awareness: Educate others about the environmental impact of plastic pollution and the importance of reducing plastic consumption. Share information and resources with friends, family and social networks to raise awareness and inspire positive change.
10 Lead by example: Be a role model for sustainable living by practicing environmentally friendly habits and encouraging others to do the same. Every small action adds up and collective efforts can make a significant difference in reducing plastic consumption and protecting the planet for future generations.