Plastic is one of the most widely used materials in the world to manufacture everything from clothing to computers.
Why is it so important to properly manage plastic waste?
◾️ It exceeds 10 billion tonnes.
◾️ It is one of the biggest environmental threats because it is non-biodegradable.
Contaminates water sources and accumulates in them. Not only making it unfit for drinking, but its accumulation in rainwater hinders water filtration, so the site becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects.
Plastic products contain over 170 chemical additives. Some of them have been associated with severe health problems such as hormone-related cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, infertility and neurodevelopment disorders like ADHD and autism.
Environmental macro- and microplastic can easily leach toxic additives or concentrate toxins already in the environment, making them bioavailable again for direct or indirect human exposure.
The traditional plastic waste management technologies release toxic metals, such as lead and mercury, organic substances (dioxins and furans), acid gases, and other toxic substances into the air, water, and soils.
How should we manage plastics?
✅ Using less plastic in the form of packaging, bags or containers. Instead, we need to use packaging that can be reused many times and avoid using containers.
✅ By making the current regulations, especially those governing the manufacture and use of plastics in large companies, much more stringent.
✅ Monitoring the management of plastic waste in a more controlled way.
✅ Implementing energyfromwaste plants with minimal emissions, such as the REVALUO plants.
