New Study Recommends Policies to Tackle Plastic Pollution

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Potential solutions to the growing plastic waste crisis are examined in the recent study "Pathways to reduce global plastic waste mismanagement and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050," which was carried out by researchers from the Universities of California, Berkeley and Santa Barbara. Four different policy measures are suggested by the report as potential solutions to the plastic pollution problem.

At least 40% post-consumer recycled plastic must be used in newly manufactured products, according to the report. It recommends increased spending on plastic waste management in addition to capping new plastic manufacturing. Furthermore, charging plastic packaging a little price might significantly reduce pollution.

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The aforementioned legislative measures have the potential to reduce mishandled plastic waste by 91% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic by at least a third.

The study's conclusions were made public just before the Republic of Korea's Busan hosted negotiations on a worldwide plastics treaty.

The forthcoming Busan negotiations represent the world's nations' final opportunity to unite and resolve the issue, according to co-author Dr. Douglas McCauley. In order to combat the situation, he urged immediate, coordinated, international action. Global plastic pollution might almost treble by 2050 compared to 2020 levels if nothing is done.