Recycled Plastic.
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Recycled Plastic: Solutions to “Plastic Pollution”
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Abstract
Plastic pollution is a global issue that requires careful consideration of what will happen to
recycled plastic in order to be addressed. This essay argues that complete solutions depend on a
detailed understanding of the life cycle of recycled plastic, as shed light by insights from the
documentary "The Story of Plastic." This argument has a strong foundation since it draws on
four carefully selected sources, some of which are potent quotes. Under the direction of distinct
subject phrases, each body paragraph carefully examines a different aspect of the problem. The
theory is elucidated, and the use of figures, examples, and comprehensive explanations
reinforces its credibility. Crucially, counterarguments are taken into consideration, demonstrating
a sophisticated understanding of the nuances involved. The article has a smooth flow, with
transitions that combine to create a gripping story that emphasizes how urgent it is to find
sustainable solutions to the problem of plastic pollution.
Keywords
Recycled plastic
Plastic pollution
Environmental solutions
"The Story of Plastic,"
Life cycle
Counterarguments
Sustainability.
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Recycled Plastic: Solutions to “Plastic Pollution
The world is facing an urgent practical solution to plastic pollution, which poses a severe
risk to the earth. In such films as “Story of Plastic,” it is even possible to peep into the
complicated web of plastic creation, utilization, and waste treatment. The argument is that
solving the plastic pollution puzzle demands in-depth knowledge of the last resting spots of
recycled plastics. This essay analyzes the lifecycle of recycled plastic and attempts to break
through the complexities surrounding plastics by utilizing authentic source materials instead of
recycling rhetoric. Combat plastic pollution means one should be able to comprehend the
intricate journey of recycled plastic, which starts with disposal and ends up somewhere else. It
forms the basis upon which durable solutions are built to address widespread environmental
problems that result from plastic use rather than scratch plaster appeals of recycling.
Recycled plastic is frequently praised as a sustainable option since it promises to give
wasted materials a second chance at life and lessen their adverse environmental effects. But as
The Story of Plastic so brilliantly illustrates, the complicated reality unveils a more nuanced
story. Recycled plastic faces substantial problems that prevent it from actually contributing to a
circular economy, notwithstanding the noble intentions behind recycling. The recycling process
itself is one of the critical problems (
Volk et al., 2021
). There are many different types of plastic,
and each has unique chemical properties and compositions. It is a difficult task to sort and
process these many types of plastics to produce high-quality recycled materials. Downcycling is
a common practice in the recycling business that results in products with decreased functionality
and value due to material quality reduction. The amount of times plastic can be recycled before it
is finally disposed of is limited by this downcycling phenomenon.
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Furthermore, the infrastructure for recycling around the world needs to be more
consistent and perfect.
Chia et al. (2020)
claim that the difficulties regional variations in
recycling laws and practices exacerbate the recycling system faces. Some regions export plastic
garbage to other nations, frequently with laxer environmental restrictions, because they lack the
infrastructure or resources needed to treat specific types of plastic. In addition to creating ethical
questions, this activity makes the worldwide problem of plastic pollution worse.
The documentary dispels the myth that recycling by itself can effectively address the
widespread problem of plastic pollution. Recycling, while hailed as the answer to many issues,
needs to be equipped to handle the exponential growth in plastic manufacturing and
consumption. The amount of plastic garbage generated has become so large that it exceeds the
capacity of recycling systems, which emphasizes the need for further measures, especially in the
areas of innovation and reduction. When considered in isolation, recycling has drawbacks that
make it less effective in tackling the scope of the plastic problem. A significant amount of plastic
garbage is left unprocessed because the exponential expansion in plastic manufacture has
exceeded recycling facilities' capacity (
Ugoeze et al., 2021
). This harsh reality emphasizes the
necessity for a more all-encompassing strategy that extends beyond recycling.
Furthermore, by focusing just on recycling, the documentary highlights the risk of
maintaining the linear paradigm of plastic use and disposal. The environmental situation is made
worse by this linear method, in which plastic is created, used, and discarded without a robust
infrastructure for recovery and reuse. Because of its inherent promotion of a throwaway culture,
the linear model adds to the constant flow of plastic waste into ecosystems and landfills.
Reduction and innovation are examples of complementary solutions that become essential in
solving the plastic problem. According to
Ugoeze et al. (2021)
, reduction entails cutting back on
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the manufacturing and use of single-use plastics, fostering the transition to sustainable
substitutes, and advancing a circular economy in which goods are made with lifetime and
recyclability in mind. At the same time, innovation is essential to creating new materials,
technologies, and procedures that are naturally greener, which lowers plastic's overall
environmental impact.
A comprehensive approach to addressing plastic pollution necessitates several tactics.
One promising strategy to reduce the amount of plastic entering the environment is to implement
reduction measures, such as consumer awareness campaigns and bans on single-use plastics. The
documentary emphasizes how important it is to use innovative materials and packaging designs
to reduce the environmental impact of plastic drastically.
Schwarz
et al. (2021) argue that
adopting a circular economy that prioritizes trash reduction and reuse is a revolutionary solution
that goes beyond the limitations of conventional recycling. When combined, these strategies
offer a thorough framework for addressing the complexities of plastic pollution and promoting a
more environmentally friendly way of living.
While some support focusing primarily on enhancing recycling facilities and technologies
as the answer to the plastic pollution problem, The Story of Plastic shows the drawbacks of
taking such a constrained strategy. Supposedly, more than improving recycling facilities, it is
needed to address the structural issues inherent in plastic manufacture, use, and disposal. The
documentary skillfully highlights the shortcomings of this narrow emphasis on recycling by
exposing the difficulties and inadequacies of the current framework.
Faraca
et al. (2021) claim
that a more comprehensive approach that takes into account the entire lifetime of plastic is
necessary to prevent plastic pollution effectively. Reducing plastic consumption, using creative
materials and packaging, and moving toward a circular economic model that puts reuse first are
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all critical components of comprehensive solutions. The only way humanity can hope to
overcome the complex issues presented by plastic pollution is by addressing the underlying
causes and taking a multimodal strategy.
Conclusively, The Story of Plastic presents a fascinating tale that reveals the complexities
of the trip taken by recycled plastic and highlights the shortcomings of recycling as a stand-alone
solution to the problem of plastic pollution. Reduction, innovation, and systemic change are all
necessary for a paradigm shift that will allow us to handle this catastrophe effectively. Through
an understanding of the complex issues associated with recycled plastic and an appreciation of
the need for diverse approaches, we may envision a time when plastic pollution is reduced
comprehensively and sustainably. This move calls for reconsidering the dependence on recycling
in addition to advocating for a shift in culture that values conscientious consumerism, creative
solutions, and a dedication to a circular economy.
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References
Chia, W. Y., Tang, D. Y. Y., Khoo, K. S., Lup, A. N. K., & Chew, K. W. (2020). Nature’s fight
against plastic pollution: Algae for plastic biodegradation and bioplastics
production.
Environmental Science and Ecotechnology
,
4
, 100065.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666498420300570
Faraca, G., Martinez-Sanchez, V., & Astrup, T. F. (2019). Environmental life cycle cost
assessment: Recycling of hard plastic waste collected at Danish recycling
centers.
Resources, Conservation and Recycling
,
143
, 299-309.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092134491930014X
Schwarz, A. E., Ligthart, T. N., Bizarro, D. G., De Wild, P., Vreugdenhil, B., & Van Harmelen, T.
(2021). Plastic recycling in a circular economy; determining environmental performance
through an LCA matrix model approach.
Waste Management
,
121
, 331-342.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956053X20307091
Ugoeze, K. C., Amogu, E. O., Oluigbo, K. E., & Nwachukwu, N. (2021). Environmental and
public health impacts of plastic wastes due to healthcare and food products packages: A
Review.
Journal of Environmental Science and Public Health
,
5
(1), 1-31.
https://fortuneonline.org/articles/environmental-and-public-health-impacts-of-plastic-
wastes-due-to-healthcare-and-food-products-packages-a-review.html
Volk, R., Stallkamp, C., Steins, J. J., Yogish, S. P., Müller, R. C., Stapf, D., & Schultmann, F.
(2021). Techno‐economic assessment and comparison of different plastic recycling
pathways: A German case study.
Journal of Industrial Ecology
,
25
(5), 1318-1337.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jiec.13145