To solve the plastics crisis, we need to calm down about plastics
==========

Efficiency gains, lifestyle changes, and tough regulations are needed to address plastic waste. Plastic usage keeps rising. Rich countries have been reducing their per-capita plastic usage, but overall plastic usage continues to increase. The progress made in reducing carbon emissions and crude oil consumption has not been replicated in the plastics industry. To tackle the plastics problem, a combination of efficiency gains, substitution, and lifestyle changes is needed. Recycling and lightweight containers can help make plastic usage more efficient. However, substitution with alternative materials may not be effective as viable alternatives to plastics are limited. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing plastic consumption, are difficult to engineer. As long as consumers and producers continue to favor plastic, consumption will tend to rise. Tough regulations are needed to build a strong recycling system and discourage landfilling of plastics. Assigning blame and adopting a cynical approach will not solve the problem.

#PlasticsCrisis #PlasticWaste #EfficiencyGains #Substitution #LifestyleChanges #Recycling #ToughRegulations

https://m.economictimes.com/small-biz/sme-sector/to-solve-the-plastics-crisis-we-need-to-calm-down-about-plastics/articleshow/108029933.cms