Market copycats soon followed the Dixie Cup, as did other disposable items including Kleenex tissues and paper towels. Importantly, our “throw-away” culture was born.
“Throw-away” culture became mainstream against a backdrop of staying safe from disease, and new promises of convenience · Etienne Girardet
Since the world’s first plastic was invented in 1869, it has become a feature of daily life in the form of straws, cups, and lids · Brian Yurasits
Plastic is derived from by-products of oil and natural gas.
“It is clear, the oil and gas industries are increasingly relying on plastics to make their profits.” · Patrick Hendry
Make no mistake, this industry is entirely focused on profitability.
The petrochemical industry uses the by-products of oil and natural gas to create highly profitable plastic polymer-based items · Nick Fewings
Billions of non-recyclable face masks and gloves will be produced from plastic polymers during 2020 as a result of the pandemic · Marta Ortigosa
Yet after four decades of campaigning, our global recycling rates have hovered around just 14% (13% in the US).
Recycling facilities in Bali · Photo: Emy Kane
Despite four decades of campaigning, global recycling rates have stayed low · Photo: Emy Kane
“During the same time period that they were pushing recycling campaigns, industry continued to produce increasingly more complex and harder-to-sort plastics” · Photo: Emy Kane
Recycling on its own isn’t enough. To curb plastic pollution, we must address the plastic supply chain and decrease the production of virgin plastic. · Emy Kane
Now, given the uproar over plastic waste in much of the world, the plastics industry has been searching for a destination for its product that it thinks it can further exploit without as much pushback: Africa.
Ever-increasing mounds of plastic and trash on a beach in Ghana · Cristina Mittermeier
Fishers in Ghana, like in many other parts of the world, may encounter plastic in the ocean · Photo: Cristina Mittermeier
The majority of African nations lack sufficient waste management infrastructure systems. They are already facing significant plastic pollution, both on land and in the sea. · Photo: Cristina Mittermeier
“To further flood African countries with plastics that have no end-of-life use and are increasingly more difficult and costly to collect, sort, and process is egregious.” · Photo: Cristina Mittermeier
Whale sculpture at the Museum of Plastic made of Ever & Ever aluminum cans, which are infinitely recyclable · Emy Kane
Scientists have given us the answers. But if the will to change isn’t there, these solutions won’t be deployed to the extent needed to protect the ocean and ourselves.
Divers and a manta ray swimming among plastic in Bali · Shawn Heinrichs
