Can We Drastically Cut Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution is a scourge on the planet, spreading from mountaintops to the bottom of the seas. It has also entered our bloodstream as microplastics, which pose potential health risks. Is there a way to drastically cut plastic pollution?
How Can We Cut Plastic Pollution?
By Sustainability Today
The UN says, yes, we can! Yes, we can reduce plastic pollution by 80% within two decades if we alter production and consumption methods through existing technologies, according to the UN Environment Program (UNEP).
In its new report, Turning off the Tap, the UN agency offers a solutions-based analysis of practices, market shifts, and policies that can inform government thinking and business actions. The experts behind the report suggest eliminating especially problematic and unnecessary plastic products in tandem with the triple actions of reuse, recycling, and reorienting/diversifying:
Reuse: Promoting reuse options, including refillable bottles, bulk dispensers, deposit-return schemes, and packaging take-back schemes that can reduce 30% of plastic pollution by 2040. To realize its potential, governments must help build a stronger business case for reusable.
Recycle: Reducing plastic pollution by an additional 20% by 2040 can be achieved if recycling becomes a more stable and profitable venture. Removing fossil fuel subsidies, enforcing design guidelines to enhance recyclability, and other measures would increase the share of economically recyclable plastics from 21% to 50%.
Reorient and diversify: Careful replacement of products such as plastic wrappers, sachets, and takeaway items with products made from alternative materials (such as paper or compostable materials) can deliver an additional 17% decrease in plastic pollution.
“The way we produce, use and dispose of plastics is polluting ecosystems, creating risks for human health and destabilizing the climate,” Inger Andersen, UNEP’s executive director, said in a statement, adding that following this roadmap can “dramatically reduces these risks through adopting a circular approach that keeps plastics out of ecosystems, out of our bodies and in the economy.”
However, even if all the recommended measures are taken, some 100 million metric tons of plastic from single-use and short-lived products will still need to be safely dealt with each year by 2040. Already existing plastic pollution will also need clean-up solutions both on land and underwater.