Some of the solutions to the problems associated with plastics and some specific solutions
Para reducir la cantidad de plásticos que terminan desechados, en la naturaleza y en los seres vivos, incluyendo en los humanos, debe reducirse la cantidad de plásticos que se producen. Para que esto ocurra, los gobiernos deben establecer leyes y políticas públicas que obliguen a las grandes corporaciones a reducir la producción y el uso de los plásticos; sobre todo, de aquellos que son de poco uso o de un solo uso (Figura 1). Cada vez son más palpables los efectos del calentamiento global y del mal manejo de los desperdicios sólidos en el planeta Tierra y en la humanidad y esto ha movido a que muchos gobiernos tomen acción. Muchas organizaciones, grupos comunitarios, profesionales y personas particulares también se han movido a presionar a los gobiernos a tomar acción. Recientemente, diferentes organizaciones locales cabildearon para que el gobierno de Puerto Rico aprobara la Ley 51 de 2022 conocida como la «Ley para prohibir el expendio y utilización de plásticos de un solo uso”, la cual entrará en efecto en el 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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