Transforming our approach to plastics is crucial. Mere recycling and reduction won't solve the plastic pollution crisis. Without immediate action, the oceans could contain more plastic than fish by 2050.
A circular economy for plastics rethinks every step of a product's lifecycle, offering not just environmental benefits but also economic, social, and climate advantages. By 2040, embracing this model could lead to an 80% reduction in plastics entering our oceans, a 25% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, annual savings of USD 200 billion, and the creation of 700,000 new jobs.
To achieve this, we must take three key actions:
1. Eliminate: Remove unnecessary and harmful plastic items from circulation.
2. Innovate: Develop reusable, recyclable, or compostable alternatives for essential plastic products.
3. Circulate: Keep plastics within the economy by promoting reuse and recycling, preventing them from entering the environment.
Reference:
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/plastics/overview
