There is a lot of eco-anxiety we inflict on ourselves whenever we consciously buy single use plastic. This week, we learned about the futility of recycling. However, I value both human and nature when we think about the impacts plastic have on a large temporal and spatial scale. In light of this, I would like to propose the following as legislative structures.
· Shifting the financial burden of waste management and recycling off municipalities and taxpayers to where it belongs: the producers of this waste;
· Spurring massive investments in domestic recycling and composting infrastructure;
· Phasing out certain single-use plastic products that aren’t recyclable;
· Establishing minimum recycled content standards;
· Launching a national beverage container refund program to bolster recycling rates;
· Placing a temporary pause on new and expanding plastic facilities until the Environmental Protection Agency updates and creates vital environmental and health regulati
ons to protect frontline and peripheral communities;
In the future, I envision a reality where we as consumers do not have to experience guilt that is manufactured into the process of consumption. There was a lot of hopelessness induced in the media content this week which would limit the efforts we individually take.
This image made me so sad :( it reminded me of wildlife pictured to incorporate plastics into their lives via substitution of natural products in harmful ways. Totally agree on holding the producers accountable for all fees involved in recycling/ supporting the plastic recycling circular economy.
Interesting point on not manufacturing guilt into consumption. in an ideal world, I see people consuming a lot less and getting greater joy out of what they do consume (and thus providing part of the end to the cycle of feeling bad = consuming more).
I totally agree with your points and calls to action when it comes to this issue! I think the aspect of pushing the responsibilities and costs to the parties at play that actually are the producers of the waste is such a fascinating and interesting idea that if done right, this would incentivize them to confront and balance out the true cost of plastics and its popularity. Corporations only care about the bottom line and so if we attack that, we can tackle their interests.
I think the first bullet point solution you presented is absolutely critical. Businesses have profited by infiltrating plastics into all our daily activities, so it should be these businesses who must take full responsibility for managing these products/packaging at the end of their lifecycles. Consumers should not feel burdened by decisions to use plastic or not because plastic is inescapable without responsibility from businesses.
Thank you for addressing this! climate anxiety, stress and guilt are real. I feel that although they can foster feelings of hopelessness in some, they motivate others to make major changes and take action. This is a super interesting topic. Thank you so much for sharing!
Love you list of ideas! In particular you mentioning composting facilities. Currently, a lot of compostable plastics has to be composted in certain facilities. You can't just put them into the green bin. It will be great of these special facilities are more accessible.
Great ideas! I totally agree that the producers of plastic should be responsible for the financial aspect of waste management, which will also give them motivation to find ways to reduce plastic production and to use better alternatives.
Love this image! You suggested some really great ideas for solutions and future change.
Hey! I love your legislative proposals!
Thanks for sharing :)