More Recycling Won’t Solve Plastic Pollution

Scientific America (07/06/2018)
  • Blame for plastic pollution is misdirected at individual consumers.
  • Since excess plastic is dumped into the ocean, studies show that Americans likely ingest plastic ingested by fish in seafood.
  • Profit Motive: In the 1950s, major food and beverage companies recognized single-use plastic (bags, bottles, containers) was less expensive than recyclables (ie glass).
  • In anticipation of push-back, companies formed non-profit Keep America Beautiful to promote societal responsibility for recycling on individuals.
  • Major plastic pollution reduction won’t occur until less is used in the first place.