The Latest Single-Use Plastic News
The reuse revolution is making headlines, especially during our current pandemic. Here’s the latest single-use plastic news:
Your Used Mask Needs to Make It to the Trash Can | The New York Times
What do we want our planet to look like post pandemic? Let’s not let the virus be an excuse to waver from the global movement to ditch disposables. Single-use masks are most commonly made of different types of plastic and are contributing to a staggering amount of litter all over the world. Choose to reuse, and read more from the New York Times.
Plastic Bag Use Drops By 59% In England Over The Past Year | Forbes
Sixteen years ago, the average person in England used about 140 plastic bags a year. After implementing a seven-cent plastic bag charge, that number is down to four. Their goal was to not just to reduce plastic bag waste in grocery stores, but to also change consumer behavior for the long term. Forbes has the good news, and the consequences of increased global consumption of plastic.
Germany is banning single-use plastic straws, cotton buds and food containers | USA Today
Germany will end the sale of single-use plastic items including food containers, cutlery and straws by July 2021 in an effort to move away from a “throw-away culture” and reduce plastic pollution. The initiative will bring the country in line with the European Union’s single-use plastic ban approved last year. Watch to learn why straws are included.
Five things you should know about disposable masks and plastic pollution | The UN News
The movement to eliminate plastic pollution is being affected by the coronavirus pandemic as the use of disposable masks, gloves and other PPE soars. “If historical data is a reliable indicator, it can be expected that around 75% of the used masks, as well as other pandemic-related waste, will end up in landfills, or floating in the seas.” But United Nations agencies and partners are hopeful that, with global cooperation, plastic pollution attributed to the pandemic can be significantly reduced.
World will have 710M tons of plastic pollution by 2040 | CNN
Due to our throw-away culture, plastic production and single-use plastics are on the rise and waste management systems don’t have the capacity to safely dispose of or recycle all of this plastic waste. A recent study published in the journal Science, found that even in a best-case scenario without widespread intervention, there would still be a significant build-up of plastic pollution by 2040. Read the call for everyone to participate in a global action to solve the plastic problem.
First Annual Beach Cleanup Report | Surfrider Foundation
Surfrider Foundation’s first annual beach cleanup report is in, and plastic disposables, including takeout containers and straws, top the list. More than 47,000 volunteers held 936 beach cleanups and removed about 300,000 pounds of trash and recycling. Check out the data, used to influence policies on a state, local and national level. Find the report here.
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