Plastic helps reduce contact with COVID-19 and keep health care and other essential workers safe in the form of face shields, hospital gowns, gloves, and takeout containers, reports Reuters. But it’s also intensifying the world’s plastic problem. What’s the solution?
COVID-19 has made the world’s plastic problem even worse. Plastic already makes up 80% of ocean debris, kills marine animals, and releases chemicals that can harm humans.
Meanwhile, with oil prices low, new plastic is cheaper than recycled plastic—increasing demand for it. As a result, the fossil fuel industry plans to invest $400 billion over the next five years on plants to make raw materials for virgin plastic,” continues Reuters.
But: “Even if existing recycling pledges are met, the plastic going into the oceans is on course to rise from 11 million tonnes now to 29 million by 2040, according to a study published in June by Pew Trusts,” explains the report. “Cumulatively, this would reach 600 million tonnes – the weight of 3 million blue whales.”
This is why we need sustainable alternatives like bioplastics made from renewable feedstocks, which are versatile and durable—and in some cases look and feel just like fossil fuel-based plastics—but are also recyclable and biodegradable.
As we think about building back from COVID-19, let’s think about supporting the bioeconomy—which can create jobs and economic growth while providing a solution to help clean up the environment and reduce our impact on animal and human health.
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