(StatePoint) In a major policy shift, the United States is targeting plastic pollution at the production, processing, use and disposal phases, and is backing a global treaty to reduce plastic production. Advocates are celebrating the move as a watershed moment and a step in the right direction toward protecting human health, communities and the environment.
“As one of the biggest plastic producers and consumers, this helps put the United States on the right side of history. Not only does it show that we are willing to stand with countries that recognize that we cannot recycle our way out of this crisis, but it also aligns with the desires of most Americans,” says Lisa Ramsden, senior oceans campaigner, Greenpeace USA.
As Ramsden points out, Americans are becoming increasingly aware of how plastic litters oceans, pollutes the air near production facilities, exacerbates the impacts of climate change, harms animals, and threatens public health, and they are catching onto the fact that most plastic never gets recycled. In fact, almost two-thirds of Americans support a Global Plastics Treaty that would ban single-use plastic packaging, according to a Greenpeace International poll.
“While the announcement from the Biden-Harris administration is encouraging, there is still much work to be done,” says Ramsden.
According to Greenpeace, here is what you can do to protect your family from harmful chemicals in plastic, and to help advocate for a healthier planet.
- Encourage your favorite brands to reduce their plastic use and your retailers to stock their shelves with brands that use non-plastic packaging.
- Consider plastics policy at the ballot box this November and beyond. At every level of government—local, state and national—you can explore which candidates’ values align with your own.
- Remember that plastics can harm human health. Plastics have been found in human blood, breast milk, placentas, lungs and hearts. To protect your family, consider phasing out plastic food storage containers and using stainless steel or glass alternatives. Never heat food in plastic containers or drink hot beverages out of plastic cups. You can also filter your drinking water with a filter designed to remove microplastics.
- Know that the recent White House announcement is just a first step and that plastic production lobbying groups are working to reverse course. You can encourage the government to back their promises with concrete action by signing Greenpeace’s “End the Age of Plastic” treaty at: engage.us.greenpeace.org. To learn more, visit www.greenpeace.org.
“We have known for decades that plastic pollution is poisoning our bodies, communities and oceans, and millions of people worldwide have called for our leaders to end the age of plastic. Right now, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put the world on a path towards a plastic-free future, but it will be up to all of us to make sure that happens,” says Ramsden.