Some of the solutions to the problems associated with plastics and some specific solutions
To reduce the amount of plastics that end up discarded in nature and in living beings, including humans, the amount of plastics produced must be reduced. For this to happen, governments must establish laws and public policies that force large corporations to reduce the production and use of plastics, especially those that are of little or single use (Figure 1). The effects of global warming and the mismanagement of solid waste on planet Earth and humanity are becoming increasingly evident, and this has prompted many governments to take action. Many organizations, community groups, professionals and individuals have also moved to pressure governments to take action. Recently, different local organizations lobbied for the government of Puerto Rico to pass Act 51 of 2022 known as the "Act to prohibit the sale and use of single-use plastics," which will go into effect in 2024.1
Figure 1. Examples of single-use plastics.
Note: Not all of these examples are included in Law 51 of 2022.
Beyond what governments and large corporations can do to reduce the production and use of plastic, it is up to every organization, business and citizen to do their part to help solve the plastic problem in the context that applies to them. The economy is driven by the supply and demandTherefore, if the purchase of plastics is reduced, the sale of plastics will eventually be reduced.
The R's of Sustainability serve as a guide to reduce plastic consumption. Below is a table with the R's and how they can be used in terms of plastic consumption.
Table 1. R's of Sustainability and description and examples of how they can be implemented to reduce the consumption of plastic and other materials.2-4
|
R for Sustainability |
Description |
|
Rethink |
Question our activities and consumption.
Make a conscious effort to unlearn purchasing and consumption habits, and seek alternatives when possible. Think before buying an item if you really need it, if you can use something you already have, if you could buy something second hand, if you will use it many times and if it can be recycled, repaired or repurposed. |
|
Reject |
Reject any activity or product that may cause harm to oneself, another person or the environment.
Reject items that are not needed, are single-use or end up as waste quickly. |
|
Reduce |
Buy and use less quantity, only what is necessary.
Reduce consumption of products with plastic wrapping or packaging. |
|
Reuse |
Reuse of materials extends their life, reduces the amount of energy expended in the manufacture and production of goods, and reduces waste. |
|
Repair |
Repair your clothes or items to extend their useful life. To keep them out of the landfill for much longer. |
|
Readapt ("Upcycling") |
If you can't reuse, repair or recycle an item, can you repurpose it to serve another purpose? |
|
Recycle |
Create new items with materials that are already in circulation.
It should be the last option, as very little is recycled. Usually only plastics 1 (PET) and 2 (HDPE) that are clean, dry, without caps and labels are recycled. |
References
- Governor signs law banning single-use plastics within 2 years | Microjuris al Día. Published July 2022. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://aldia.microjuris.com/2022/07/02/gobernador-firma-ley-que-prohibe-plasticos-de-un-solo-uso-en-un-plazo-de-2-anos/
- Gardner M. The 7 Rs of Sustainability. Kids In Nutrition. Published March 18, 2021. Accessed November 15, 2021. https://www.kidsinnutrition.org/post/the-7-rs-of-sustainability
- Crenna L. The fabulous 14 R's of Sustainability. Cool Davis. Published April 21, 2017. Accessed November 15, 2021. https://www.cooldavis.org/2017/04/21/fabulous-14-rs-sustainability/. https://www.cooldavis.org/2017/04/21/fabulous-14-rs-sustainability/
- Follett B. The 10-R's of Sustainability. Earth Month Network. Published 2015. Accessed November 15, 2021. https://www.earth-month.org/the-10-r-s-of-sustainability/. https://www.earth-month.org/the-10-r-s-of-sustainability/
Author: María E. Ocasio Torres, Ph.D.
Bachelor's Degree in Coastal Marine Biology from the University of Puerto Rico - Humacao
D. in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras
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