Zero-Waste Warriors and Art Activists Do Battle with Plastics

EEB: Have plastic producers played a role in the growing demand?

MB: It’s evident that the plastics industry has recognized an opportunity to exploit the pandemic crisis by encouraging the rollback of existing efforts to reduce single-use plastics while fanning fear and uncertainty around the safety of reusables. False claims demonizing reusables by Big Plastic and the food packaging industry highlight their deplorable attempt to incite fear in a time of crisis. Though there is little to no credible, research-based evidence to support a cause for health concerns, Covid has provided the opportunity for this pushback against reusables and reuse systems like our Ecology Center and Vessel reusable cup partnership program in Berkeley.

EEB: We have heard that there’s a connection between the plastic resurgence and the reduced demand for gasoline as we all stayed home. Is that true?

MB: Since the explosion of fracking for gas and oil in the United States and the production wars between Saudi Arabia and Russia, fossil fuel prices have dropped to historic levels. This, combined with the ongoing trends to reduce the use of fossil fuels for transportation, heating, and other uses, has driven the industry to embrace new strategies. Plastic, once thought of as a side industry or even as a byproduct of the gas and oil industries, is now being seen as the key growth sector and lifeline for the fossil fuel industry. They have over $150 billion in new expansion projects in the U.S. alone, and there is a global race to see who can own this sector internationally. Covid-related reductions in demand for transportation fuels and increased demand for disposable plastic only reinforce these trends. This means recycled plastic has an even harder time in the marketplace, which is why we need mandatory minimum recycled content requirements for all plastic packaging.

EEB: Can we make plastic producers bear responsibility?

MB: Last year, the California State Legislature attempted to pass an omnibus, groundbreaking new law reducing plastic waste and holding many industry sectors to account for the pollution they cause. It took two years and included many multi-stakeholder efforts to accommodate everyone while moving the benchmark significantly forward. Sadly, this bill was not approved by the minimum number of legislators necessary to pass it. Now we will have to take on legislative solutions one at a time and with much more force and vigor.

Other actions we can take include supporting systems that disrupt the disposables industry—Vessel is an example—and joining global campaigns like the one by the Action Network, which challenges food delivery apps to reduce unnecessary plastic pollution by making simple changes to their ordering systems. We can also use our dollars and our voices to invest in sustainable solutions, divest from extractive industries, and demand corporate and government accountability. Federal and local governments, waste haulers, and consumers can unite in holding industry accountable for impacts gravely affecting ecosystems, climate, and human health.

EEB: What are some concrete daily steps that individuals can take now to minimize their use of virgin plastic?

While plastic-free or zero-waste living is the goal, reducing our reliance on single-use plastic disposables is much more feasible if we consider it a lifelong journey requiring daily effort.

• First, and most importantly, rethink whether plastic is necessary to begin with.
• Eliminate the need for disposables completely by opting for reusable tote bags, food and beverage containers, utensils, and food wraps.
• While some restaurants and farmers’ markets are still not allowing staff to handle reusables, we can ask for our items to be put back loose into our cart or on the counter so we can bag them ourselves.
• Find ways to reuse each bag or plastic container that’s been brought home. By doing this, we make a huge dent in demand.
• Choose brands that use less—or no—plastic packaging.
• Plan ahead. Before you buy an item, consider how it will eventually be disposed of.
• Be mindful of when you are “wish-cycling” (attempting to recycle products or packages that are not truly recyclable due to the lack of solid markets).
• Use curbside pickup rather than delivery, which is typically overpackaged.
• Support your local businesses: Let them know when they are doing a good job, and when you would like to see a change.
• Shop at farmers’ markets, where you can get your produce plastic free.

More than 4.83 million tons of plastic film have been generated in our lifetime, and recycling was never really the answer. Only after we have exhausted all other, more sustainable options should we focus on recycling. When it comes to plastics, the odds are nine to one that virgin plastic is not being recycled.  ♦

For more information on the Ecology Center’s work toward zero waste and plastic specifically, visit their Plastic Free July and Your Path to Zero Waste web pages at ecologycenter.org.