Abstract
Plastic pollution is generated by the unsustainable use and disposal of plastic products in modern society, threatening economies, ecosystems, and human health. Current clean-up strategies have attempted to mitigate the negative effects of plastic pollution but are unable to compete with increasing quantities of plastic entering the environment. Thus, reducing inputs of plastic to the environment must be prioritized through a global multidisciplinary approach. Mismanaged waste is a major land-based source of plastic pollution that can be reduced through improvements in the life-cycle of plastics, especially in production, consumption, and disposal, through an Integrated Waste Management System. In this review paper, we discuss current practices to improve life cycle and waste management of plastics that can be implemented to reduce health and environmental impacts of plastics and reduce plastics pollution. Ten recommendations for stakeholders to reduce plastic pollution include (1) regulation of production and consumption; (2) eco-design; (3) increasing the demand for recycled plastics; (4) reducing the use of plastics; (5) use of renewable energy for recycling; (6) extended producer responsibility over waste; (7) improvements in waste collection systems; (8) prioritization of recycling; (9) use of bio-based and biodegradable plastics; and (10) improvement in recyclability of e-waste.
Highlights
Plastic accumulation in the environment is increasing due to low degradation rates coupled with unsustainable use and disposal [1]
Strategies have been organized in three sections: (1) production of plastics dealing with improvements at an industrial level, including usefulness of life cycle assessments; (2) consumption of plastics products by reducing their appeal to consumers, especially through education; and (3) waste management advocating for the recycling and recovery of plastic waste
Misuse and mismanagement of durable plastics has led to large accumulations of this material in the environment, posing a risk to organisms, ecosystems, and human health
Summary
Plastic accumulation in the environment is increasing due to low degradation rates coupled with unsustainable use and disposal [1]. Long-lasting solutions require multidisciplinary approaches and international cooperation, since plastic pollution affects neighboring countries and international waters These include national and international governance [17,18,19,20,21,22,23], reducing release of plastics in wastewater treatment plants [24,25,26,27,28], consumer education and awareness [29,30], and improvements in life-cycle and end-of-life management. Strategies have been organized in three sections: (1) production of plastics dealing with improvements at an industrial level, including usefulness of life cycle assessments; (2) consumption of plastics products by reducing their appeal to consumers, especially through education; and (3) waste management advocating for the recycling and recovery of plastic waste.
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