Global recycling systems will unfortunately never be capable of keeping up with the growing amount of plastic humans dispose of each year. How did we forget about other viable options?
‘Reduce, reuse, recycle!’
Every kid was taught this iconic phrase. But the emphasis on recycling as a saving grace has seen society heavily rely on a waste management strategy that has been far too difficult to execute.
Over the last few decades, we’ve thrown away increasing amounts of plastic, believing that the contents of our carefully sorted recycling bins would magically reappear in our hands as a new product down the line.
We now know that we were sold a lie. Less than 10 percent of all plastic material generated since the 1970s has been recycled. In fact, most plastics are so difficult to turn into new products that they probably never will be.
The knife twists further still when realising that an emphasis on recycling has resulted in more efficient waste management strategies being side-lined or ignored entirely.
Two surveys conducted by The Conversation set out to understand the psychology of waste in the U.S.
Researchers asked individuals to rank the popular phrase ‘reduce, reuse, recycle,’ with each step placed in order of its importance. At least 78 percent of participants wrongly believed the most effective way to deal with waste management was to recycle.
The truth is, the well-known phrase is already organised correctly.
The most effective way to approach waste management is to reduce the amount we’re producing in the first place. But with recycling touted as a silver bullet for waste management for decades, the other two processes – reduce and reuse – have been neglected in messaging about waste management.
In that light, it shouldn’t be too shocking that most people still think that the option of recycling gives us a free pass to consume and dispose of as much as we want, guilt-free. Especially when the truth about recycling has only been made public knowledge recently.
For the second part of the study, researchers asked participants to sit at computers and virtually sort different types of waste items into their correct bins – recycling, compost, and landfill.
This experiment yielded telling results. Non-recyclable items, such as plastic bags and lightbulbs, were frequently placed by participants into the virtual recycling bin – simply because those partaking in the study were unsure of which items went where.
What does this tell us?
Though most of us are well-intentioned in how we choose to sort and dispose of waste, we have been largely misled and underinformed about the process of how to properly do so.
Complicated, state-varying restrictions on what items can be recycled have led to only 35 percent of people sorting their waste into separate bins on a regular basis, despite the fact that 94 percent of Americans say they acknowledge recycling initiatives as a positive thing.
It seems that rather than placing the onus on regular people, a better approach would be government-enforced bans on single-use plastic items everywhere.
Scientists would agree, as they have called for a complete halt on virgin plastic production by 2040. Some countries have already started this journey by placing strict restrictions or total bans on the sale of single-use plastic items.
Change is happening, but it needs to be faster
New Zealand recently banned plastic bags used for fruits and vegetables in grocery stores and France is soon set to do the same. India also banned single-use plastics such as straws, cups, and protective plastic films on products such as cigarettes.
Last year, California officials made a huge announcement, stating there would be a complete ban on the sale of single-use plastics in their state by 2032. It is a radical but necessary policy that will shake up the food, fashion, and cosmetic industries operating in-state and may see other states follow suit.
With bans like these popping up around the world, government funding and subsidies should be offered to companies innovating to create bioplastics made from biodegradable or easily recycled materials.
With adequate investment into research and development of bioplastics, we will be far more prepared and confident in a global decision to end the production of virgin plastics entirely.
Because it’s clear – recycling has not been and never will be our saving grace.
I’m Jessica (She/Her). I’m the Deputy Editor & Content Partnership Manager at Thred. Originally from the island of Bermuda, I specialise in writing about ocean health and marine conservation, but you can also find me delving into pop culture, health and wellness, plus sustainability in the beauty and fashion industries. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.
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