What if the circular economy were the answer to the major problem caused by plastics?
Jordi Diaz Marcos
Science and Technology Centres at the University of Barcelona
We are overwhelmed by the avalanche of news about the serious environmental problems caused by plastics. From the ubiquitous plastic pollution that surrounds us, to the ingestion of microplastics in our food chain, to the vast ‘islands' or ‘soups’ of plastic in the oceans. Is there a solution to this problem?
This article has been originally published in The Conversation.
This question is difficult to answer. We have lost control over plastic waste, among other reasons, because industrial interests carry more weight than national policies. Only a joint strategy can solve a global problem.
The first steps are being taken. For example, in March 2022, during the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), a historic resolution was adopted to develop a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution. This proposal is based on a comprehensive approach, addressing the entire life cycle of plastic, from its production to its design and disposal.