Only about 5% of plastic waste in the U.S. gets recycled. Scientists, lawmakers and even chemical companies themselves are trying to change that.
wrote in a recent report. Instead, these groups call for new laws to limit the amount of plastic that is produced and to incentivize companies to use more sustainable materials.“Recycling is a flailing, failing system — and yet it is still touted as plastics’ panacea. No end-of-the-pipe fix can manage mass plastics’ volume, complex toxicity, or legacy of pollution, and the industry’s long-standing infractions against human health and rights.
The overwhelming flow of plastic into the ocean requires an assertive and smart response. Taxing virgin plastics ticks both boxes.” — Editorial,Until potential technologies come to fruition, the only real path is to reduce plastic use “While we await a circular economy to repurpose products and creative solutions like advanced recycling and better biodegradable technology, we, as consumers, must drive innovation through our selective and collective purchasing power. Unless all of us — from individuals to industry — commit to reducing and reusing, plastic waste will devastate our planet. Recycling alone is not a viable solution.
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