Second Life Plastic Project: Using a One Health Lens to Address Plastic Bottle Pollution

Abstract

One Health is an intersectional approach to balance and optimize the health of humans, non-human animals, and the environment. Single-use plastics have become a major part of modernity, but their improper disposal has devastating impacts on the One Health triad. Current strategies to address plastic pollution include the ban on single-use plastic items and modification of the trade flow of waste aids. While these strategies are effective, they are not sustainable enough to produce the long-term, large-scale impacts that are needed. This paper proposes the implementation of a smallscale One Health initiative aimed at reducing plastic pollution. Specifically, plastic bottles will be collected, then undergo shredding and repurposing by a 3D printer to create furniture pieces such as chairs and storage containers that will be sold to customers. Repurposing plastic bottles provides a sustainable long-term solution that reduces the amount of plastic waste ending up in landfills, protecting the health of humans, non-human animals, and the environment. If proven successful, this local initiative could be leveraged by additional communities to grow into a worldwide application.