Technological watch
California Straw Legislation Will Help Reduce Waste
WASHINGTON (September 21, 2018) — The American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued the following statement supporting California’s adoption of AB 1884, which Governor Brown signed into law this week. The following statement may be attributed to Steve Russell, vice president of ACC’s Plastics Division:
“As society continues to look for ways to reduce waste, policies that encourage responsible use and consumption are welcome measures.
“California’s new law is consistent with our product stewardship position, which encourages straws to be distributed on request, rather than routinely, to help reduce waste. Although straw policies alone will not end plastics waste in the environment, California’s law is a reasonable approach.
“Studies show that rapidly developing economies—currently in South and Southeast Asia, where consumer consumption has outpaced the development of waste management systems—account for a majority of trash entering our ocean. Expanding systems and infrastructure to collect waste and increase recycling offer the greatest opportunity to help solve this global challenge.
“Recent research shows plastics actually help reduce the volume of municipal solid waste compared to alternative materials, but all of us can make a difference by using only what we need and recycling or repurposing plastics after use.
“In May America’s plastic resin makers announced an ambitious goal: to recycle or recover all plastic packaging in the United States by 2040. Achieving a more circular economy for plastics will enable society to continue to harness plastics’ essential benefits, like enhancing the safety and sanitary packaging of food and personal care products, while helping to protect and restore the environment for future generations.
“Plastics makers are working with governments, NGOs, and the private sector to deliver sustainable solutions to help end plastics waste and solve marine debris. Through our “Global Declaration,” 75 plastics associations from 40 countries have launched 355 projects that address education, research, public policy, best practices, plastics recycling/recovery, and plastic pellet containment.”
Follow Marine Litter Solutions on Twitter @ForCleanOceans.
“As society continues to look for ways to reduce waste, policies that encourage responsible use and consumption are welcome measures.
“California’s new law is consistent with our product stewardship position, which encourages straws to be distributed on request, rather than routinely, to help reduce waste. Although straw policies alone will not end plastics waste in the environment, California’s law is a reasonable approach.
“Studies show that rapidly developing economies—currently in South and Southeast Asia, where consumer consumption has outpaced the development of waste management systems—account for a majority of trash entering our ocean. Expanding systems and infrastructure to collect waste and increase recycling offer the greatest opportunity to help solve this global challenge.
“Recent research shows plastics actually help reduce the volume of municipal solid waste compared to alternative materials, but all of us can make a difference by using only what we need and recycling or repurposing plastics after use.
“In May America’s plastic resin makers announced an ambitious goal: to recycle or recover all plastic packaging in the United States by 2040. Achieving a more circular economy for plastics will enable society to continue to harness plastics’ essential benefits, like enhancing the safety and sanitary packaging of food and personal care products, while helping to protect and restore the environment for future generations.
“Plastics makers are working with governments, NGOs, and the private sector to deliver sustainable solutions to help end plastics waste and solve marine debris. Through our “Global Declaration,” 75 plastics associations from 40 countries have launched 355 projects that address education, research, public policy, best practices, plastics recycling/recovery, and plastic pellet containment.”
Follow Marine Litter Solutions on Twitter @ForCleanOceans.
This project has been co-funded with the support of the LIFE financial instrument of the European Union [LIFE17 ENV/ES/000438] Life programme
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