Page 43 - Plastics news December 2023

by 2050, according to the Center carbon absorption, and hampers our Investing in infrastructure
for International Environmental Law fight against climate change. Central to the success of a circular
(CIEL). Air pollution from plastic burning economy for plastic is the develop-
This trajectory is alarming, given the The common practice of open burn- ment of robust collection and repro-
commitment to reducing fossil fuel ing of waste, including plastics, signifi- cessing infrastructure. This involves
use in sectors like transportation and cantly contributes to air pollution. creating efficient systems for collect-
heating. The Center for International ing used plastics, sorting them ap-
Environmental Law estimates that if Burning plastics releases toxic chemi- propriately, and processing them for
these trends persist, plastics will rep- cals, with black carbon being a par- reuse or recycling.
resent a significant portion of our oil ticularly serious pollutant, boasting a Adequate infrastructure ensures that
consumption in the coming decades. global warming potential up to 5,000 plastic waste is managed effectively,
times greater than carbon dioxide.
Waste plastic amplifies climate change reducing the amount that ends up in
This raises serious concerns about the
The repercussions of our plastic con- environmental and health implications landfills or incineration sites.
sumption extend far beyond the con- of plastic incineration. Governments play a crucial role in fa-
venience of single-use items. With cilitating this transformation by imple-
only 16% of plastics being recycled, In 2019, the CIEL estimated that plas- menting policies that encourage the
the majority finds its way to landfills, tic production and incineration con- development of such infrastructure.
incineration sites, or ends up in our tributed a staggering 850m metric Financial incentives, regulations pro-
rivers and oceans. tons of greenhouse gases – equiva- moting sustainable practices, and
lent to emissions from 189 coal-fired
The consequences extend beyond the power plants. collaboration with the private sec-
obvious harm to marine life – as plas- tor are key components of creating a
tic breaks down in the ocean, it re- If current trends persist, this could supportive environment for a circular
leases greenhouse gases like methane escalate to 2.8 gigatons of carbon di- economy.
and ethylene. oxide per year by 2050, equivalent to Public awareness and responsibil-
the emissions of 615 coal plants.
This process, accelerated by sunlight ity
and heat, not only harms our marine The solution: embracing a circular Creating a sustainable future also re-
environments but also interferes with economy quires raising public awareness about
the ability of vital plankton to absorb To combat plastic pollution, establish- the environmental impact of plastic
carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. ing a circular economy is paramount. and fostering a sense of responsibility
The microplastics, pervasive in our This entails making plastic products among individuals.
oceans, hinder marine microorgan- reusable, recyclable, or compostable. Education campaigns can inform the
isms’ ability to absorb carbon dioxide Achieving this transformation re- public about the consequences of
and release oxygen. As these micro- quires substantial investments in col- single-use plastics and encourage re-
scopic plastics interfere with plank- lection and reprocessing infrastruc- sponsible consumption habits.
ton, which generates half of Earth’s ture, marking a crucial step towards a
oxygen, they contribute to a detri- sustainable and plastic-free future. By promoting a shift in consumer be-
mental feedback loop. A circular economy for plastic in- haviour towards sustainable alterna-
tives and responsible disposal practic-
Microplastics and carbon capture volves rethinking the entire lifecycle es, individuals can actively contribute
Microplastics, pervasive in our oceans, of plastic products. Instead of being to reducing plastic pollution.
hinder marine microorganisms’ ability discarded after a single use, plastics This collective effort, combined with
to absorb carbon dioxide and release should be designed to be reused or systemic changes and infrastructure
oxygen. recycled, minimising their impact on development, is essential for the suc-
the environment.
As these microscopic plastics inter- cess of a circular economy for plastic.
fere with plankton, which generates This shift requires a concerted effort The takeaway
half of Earth’s oxygen, they contribute from governments, industries, and
to a detrimental feedback loop. individuals to invest in innovative so- The plastic pollution crisis is not just a
lutions and embrace sustainable prac- threat to marine life; it’s a significant
A plastic-laden and warming ocean tices. contributor to climate change.
disrupts plant and animal life, reduces
PLASTICS NEWS 4343
December 2023 PLASTICS NEWS