Sofia Martinez
Plastic is everywhere, and it's shocking how profitable it is. Humans have created around 11 billion metric tons of plastic, a quantity that surpasses the biomass of all animals on Earth. Unfortunately, most plastic isn't recycled. A Greenpeace report found that while people put plastic into recycling bins, almost none of it is actually recycled. The plastic industry has spent millions of dollars misleading the public into thinking that plastics are recyclable when over 90% of them are not. Only a fraction of plastic is truly recyclable, and the rest ends up in landfills, oceans, and even our bodies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic recycling rate | 5% to 6% in the US, 9% globally |
| Plastic that is recycled | Plastic marked with numbers 1 and 2 |
| Plastic that is not recycled | Plastic with food residues, 75% of global plastics (thermoplastics) |
| Reasons for low recycling rate | Plastic is not designed to be recycled, the cost of recycling, the number of different types of plastic, greenwashing |
| Impact of plastic pollution | Plastic particles found in breast milk, placenta, blood, air, water sources, and the environment |
| Solutions to plastic pollution | Reduce plastic consumption, support systemic solutions, implement circularity, improve recycling capacity |
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What You'll Learn
Misleading recycling symbols
The ubiquitous chasing arrows symbol on the bottom of plastic packaging is often assumed to indicate recyclability. However, this symbol has been deemed misleading by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to ditch it. The EPA argues that updating the iconic chasing arrows recycling symbol would reduce "consumer confusion".
The symbol, designed by Gary Anderson in 1970, was originally intended to promote the recycling of paper. However, over time, it has been used on all types of products, including plastic packaging. The EPA states that the use of the chasing arrows symbol with the resin identification code (RIC), a number from 1 through 7 that appears in the middle of the symbol, constitutes a misrepresentation of claims. Consumers generally interpret this combination as an indication that the product is recyclable, when, in reality, it is meant to identify a product's unique plastic resin type.
According to Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics, a non-profit that aims to reduce single-use plastic use and production, the misleading arrow symbol leads consumers to overwhelm recycling plants with plastic items they can't process. As a result, only a tiny fraction of plastic is truly recycled, with most of it ending up in landfills, oceans, and other places. This is supported by a Greenpeace report, which found that people may be putting plastic into recycling bins, but almost none of it is actually being recycled.
To address this issue, the EPA has suggested adopting ASTM's standard, which replaces the chasing arrows symbol with a solid triangle outline for all plastics. This change aims to bring the focus back to the purpose of resin identification and quality control before recycling. Additionally, the state of California passed SB 343 in 2021, prohibiting the use of the chasing arrows symbol on products that are not considered recyclable according to statewide criteria.
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Plastic industry's greenwashing
Plastic is a material that has been hailed for its longevity, but it is damaging ecosystems and wildlife, spreading toxins that even enter the food chain. Plastic use has grown exponentially since its invention six decades ago, resulting in more than 8.3 billion metric tons of various plastics. According to National Geographic, a staggering 91% of all plastics produced globally have never been recycled. Instead, they end up in landfills, the ocean, and even our bodies, as evidenced by studies showing plastic particles in breast milk, placenta, and blood.
The plastic industry has engaged in deceptive advertising campaigns to combat rising concerns about plastic pollution, coining terms like "advanced recycling" to make it seem like they are taking effective action. However, these terms are misleading, as "advanced recycling" refers to burning plastic waste, creating unhealthy pollution levels in the air. This is just one example of the industry's greenwashing tactics, where they attempt to promote their products as more benign or beneficial to people and the planet than they truly are.
Another form of greenwashing is the use of the chasing arrows symbol on plastic packaging, which gives consumers the impression that the plastic is recyclable. In reality, only a fraction of plastic is genuinely recyclable, and the recycling rate for plastic must be 30% or higher to be considered genuinely recyclable. This misleading symbol leads consumers to send plastic items to recycling plants that cannot process them, ultimately ending up in landfills or the ocean.
The plastic industry also promotes the idea that using recycled ocean plastic to create new products is a sustainable practice. While this may seem like a positive step, it does not address the core issue of continued plastic production, which is the root cause of plastic pollution. These greenwashed claims mask the true environmental and health impacts of plastic, delaying the only effective solution: phasing out plastic entirely and substituting it with sustainable materials.
To truly address the issue of plastic pollution, it is essential to reduce plastic consumption and advocate for systemic changes that promote sustainable alternatives. While small changes, like using reusable bags and water bottles, can make a difference, more widespread legal reform and systemic solutions are needed to curb the plastic industry's negative impact on the environment.
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Plastic waste in landfills and oceans
Plastic waste is a significant environmental concern, with far-reaching impacts on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The issue of plastic waste in landfills and oceans is a pressing one, with plastic pollution threatening the health and sustainability of these environments.
Plastic Waste in Landfills
Landfills are a common destination for plastic waste, but this method of disposal raises several environmental and health concerns. One of the primary concerns is the formation and spread of microplastics, which are small plastic particles that can be transported by air and leachate into surrounding environments. As plastic waste degrades, it breaks down into microplastics, which can have harmful effects on both the environment and human health. The release of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through oxidative photodegradation is another concern, as these substances pose risks to both the environment and human well-being.
The disposal of plastic waste in landfills can also lead to leakage into waterways, especially in developing countries where waste management practices may be inadequate. Open burning of plastic waste is a common practice in regions with lacking waste management infrastructure, further exacerbating the environmental and health risks associated with plastic degradation.
Microbial degradation has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional waste management practices. Certain microorganisms and enzymes have been found to degrade synthetic plastics, offering a biological treatment technology. However, the ultimate fate of plastic in landfills remains uncertain, and the process of degradation or biodegradation may have potential negative consequences, such as destabilizing the structural stability of the landfill.
Plastic Waste in Oceans
The oceans are facing a dire threat from plastic pollution, with an estimated 8 million tons of plastic waste entering the oceans each year. The leading sources of this pollution are the 10 largest emitters of oceanic plastic pollution: China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Egypt, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Bangladesh. These countries account for 90% of all the plastic that reaches the world's oceans, with Asia being the primary source of mismanaged plastic waste.
Marine plastic pollution comes in various forms, from large items such as bottles and bags to microplastics formed from the breakdown of plastic waste. This pollution poses significant dangers to aquatic life, including entanglement, suffocation, and ingestion. Fishing nets, often made of plastic, are particularly harmful, entangling various marine creatures and leading to starvation, injury, and suffocation.
Microplastics, which can mimic fish eggs and other tiny organisms, are consumed by sea life and are nearly impossible to filter out without causing significant damage to marine ecosystems. As a result, they become a permanent feature of the marine food chain, further exacerbating the issue of plastic pollution in the oceans.
Addressing the Problem
Addressing the problem of plastic waste in landfills and oceans requires a multifaceted approach. While recycling is often touted as a solution, it is important to note that the majority of plastic items collected for recycling are not actually recycled. Improved recycling practices, product redesign, and reduced plastic consumption can play a significant role in mitigating plastic waste.
However, the most significant impact can be achieved by reducing plastic production and encouraging the use of alternative materials. This step requires collaboration between governments, industries, scientists, and consumers to implement changes in manufacturing and packaging practices, as well as a reduction in the usage of single-use and short-lived plastic products.
By addressing the issue of plastic waste in landfills and oceans through a combination of improved recycling, reduced consumption, and targeted interventions, we can work towards mitigating the environmental and health risks posed by this pervasive problem.
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Plastic's material properties
Plastic is a synthetic or semi-synthetic material, usually derived from petrochemicals, or other sources like cellulose and starch. It is made by chemically treating these components to form polymers, which are long chains of molecules. These polymers can be moulded using techniques such as extrusion or injection moulding.
Plastic is an extremely versatile material, available in a wide range of colours, textures, and types, each with its own unique properties. It can be made transparent or opaque, smooth or rough, flexible or rigid. Its versatility, durability, low cost, and ease of production make it a preferred choice for manufacturers.
There are two primary forms of plastic: thermoplastic and thermoset. Thermoplastics can be moulded, melted, and remoulded repeatedly without affecting their physical properties. This makes them suitable for processes like Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) and Reaction Injection Moulding (RIM). Thermosets, on the other hand, experience an irreversible chemical change during processing, forming an ultra-strong end product. This makes them ideal for applications requiring high impact resistance, heat resistance, and lightweight strength.
Despite the many benefits of plastic, its recycling is a significant challenge. Most plastic items collected for recycling are not actually recycled and end up in landfills or the environment. The term "recycling" is often misleading, as it refers to downcycling, where lower-quality plastic products are created. The plastic industry has been accused of greenwashing, leading consumers to believe that plastic can be widely recycled when, in reality, only a small fraction of plastic is recyclable. The variety of plastic types and chemical additives further complicates the recycling process, as different plastics cannot be melted down together.
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Plastic alternatives and reuse
Plastic recycling is largely a myth. Only a tiny fraction of plastic is truly recyclable, and most of it ends up in landfills, oceans, and other places. The plastic industry has spent millions of dollars misleading the public into thinking that plastics are recyclable. The ubiquitous chasing arrows symbol on plastic packaging adds to this misconception.
The reality is that plastic is not designed to be recycled. The term "recycling" is often a misnomer, as most plastic items collected for recycling are not actually recycled. The numbers surrounded by three interlocking arrows on plastic items are not indicators of recyclability but rather codes for the type of plastic the item is made from.
Given the challenges with plastic recycling, it is essential to explore alternatives and embrace reuse. Here are some suggestions for plastic alternatives and reuse:
- Beverage containers: Opt for long-lasting water bottles instead of buying bottled drinks. Bring your own reusable cup to coffee shops to avoid using disposable cups, lids, and straws.
- Shopping bags: Bring your own reusable bags when shopping to reduce the staggering use of a trillion plastic bags annually.
- Bulk bin containers: Bring your own containers when shopping in bulk bins to avoid using the plastic bags typically provided.
- Liquid soaps: Choose bar soap, shampoo bars, and powdered detergents packaged in recyclable containers instead of liquid soaps, shampoos, and detergents, which contribute significantly to plastic waste.
- Food storage: Use reusable lunch boxes, beeswax wraps, silicone bags, or glass, metal, or bamboo containers instead of plastic bags and disposable tableware.
- Laundry: Try plastic-free laundry strips or powdered laundry detergent instead of laundry detergent in plastic bottles.
- Clothing: Choose organic cotton, wool, bamboo, or hemp clothing over synthetic fabrics that shed plastic microfibers during washing. Wash synthetic clothes infrequently in full loads using cold water and a slow spin cycle to reduce microfiber shedding.
- Refillable packaging: Embrace refillable packaging and unpackaged products from local markets, farm shops, independent zero-waste shops, and supermarkets.
- Bioplastics: Consider plant-based plastics or bioplastics, especially for food packaging. However, note that most bioplastics are not recyclable, and public collection facilities for bioplastics are rare.
- Compostable plastics: Choose compostable packaging alternatives, such as Vegware, which can break down in home compost heaps or industrial anaerobic composting facilities. Ensure proper disposal arrangements are in place to avoid environmental harm.
- Traditional materials: Explore alternatives like pottery, ceramics, paper, cardboard, glass, and metal. While these options have their own environmental impacts, they can be recycled or composted, reducing waste.
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Frequently asked questions
Only a tiny fraction of plastic is truly recycled. Most of it ends up in landfills, oceans, and other places.
Plastic is not designed to be recycled. The numbers surrounded by three interlocking arrows on plastic items are not indicators of recyclability but codes for the type of plastic. The plastic industry has also been accused of misleading the public into thinking that plastics are recyclable.
Some alternatives to recycling plastic include incineration and landfills. However, incineration contributes to GHG emissions and air quality deterioration.
To reduce plastic pollution, consumers can cut down on their plastic consumption and avoid products packaged in plastic. Governments and corporations also need to implement systemic solutions and turn off the "plastic tap".
Plastics marked with numbers 1 and 2 are more likely to be recycled or downcycled into lower-quality plastic products. Examples include clear drinking bottles, some food packaging, milk jugs, and shampoo bottles.
