For quite some time, the folks behind plastic production haven’t been completely transparent with us about recycling. A recent study by the Center for Climate Integrity uncovers this deception. They’ve been selling us the idea that recycling plastic is the ultimate solution to our waste problems, but they’ve known all along that it’s not as simple or effective as they make it sound.
Remember those advertisements glorifying how amazing plastic is (“plastics make it possible”)? Well, here’s the reality check: only about 9 percent of plastic actually gets recycled, as stated by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.
But hold on, it’s not all bleak. Recycling works better for other materials. Paper and glass, for instance, have higher success rates when they’re recycled. A significant portion of paper (about 68 percent) and a decent chunk of glass (around 31.3 percent) are recycled in the U.S.
Here’s the kicker: the responsibility for this plastic mess doesn’t solely rest on us, the consumers, as it’s often suggested. Nope, it’s the oil and gas companies along with the plastic industry themselves who are pulling the strings. They’ve been more concerned with selling more plastic than dealing with the waste it generates.
Back in the 1950s, the plastic industry began mass-producing disposable plastic items to boost profits. However, all this throwaway plastic led to a massive waste problem. Instead of addressing it, the industry proposed either burying or burning the plastic. By the 1980s and 1990s, people started growing tired of the plastic waste, and there were discussions about laws to restrict single-use plastics. However, the industry fought back vigorously, convincing us that recycling was the solution. Consequently, plastic production skyrocketed—from 2 million tonnes in 1950 to a staggering 459 million tonnes in 2019.
And now, plastic pollution is pervasive—found in the deepest ocean trenches, atop the highest mountains, in the air we breathe, and even in the food we consume.
Since the report’s release, social media has been buzzing with discussions. People are taken aback by what insiders from the plastic industry disclosed in the report. In 1986, the Vinyl Institute, a plastic industry group, essentially acknowledged that recycling plastic only delays discarding it permanently. And in 1994, an Exxon employee essentially admitted that they cared more about appearing to address recycling than actually doing it.
Despite what the advertisements claim, most plastic doesn’t actually get recycled. Chelsea Linsley, one of the report’s authors, asserts that these companies have deceived us and should be held accountable.
So, what’s the next step?
One thing we can do is advocate for further investigations and legal actions against these companies, much like when California’s Attorney General delved into how the plastic industry has been deceiving us.
The plastics industry, of course, denies all allegations. They argue that groups like the Center for Climate Integrity should focus on finding real solutions rather than playing the blame game.
But there’s a glimmer of hope. The EPA is contemplating banning a toxic plastic ingredient, and California is investigating the role of fossil fuel companies in the plastic crisis. Additionally, last year, New York sued PepsiCo for misleading claims about recycling.
However, here’s the bottom line: plastic recycling has always been dubious. Dan Coffee, an environmental policy expert, mentions that we’ve been aware of these issues for some time now. China stopped accepting our plastic waste in 2017, further highlighting the problem.
So, should you still recycle plastic?
It’s not a straightforward yes or no. Most plastics can only be recycled a few times before they become unusable. Moreover, different types of plastic cannot be recycled together, making the process even more complex.
But don’t lose hope just yet. Some plastic containers, like soda and water bottles, as well as milk jugs, have a better chance of being recycled. It’s also worthwhile to check with your local recycling program to know what they accept.
But the real solution? Try to reduce your plastic usage in the first place. Invest in a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics whenever possible.
Ultimately, genuine change must come from significant systemic shifts, not just individual choices. So, let’s continue advocating for real solutions to address this plastic crisis.