The Urgency of Tackling Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, with devastating impacts on our environment, public health, and communities worldwide. Over the past two decades, plastic production and waste have doubled, littering our oceans, poisoning air near production facilities, and threatening the wellbeing of vulnerable populations. The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes the severity of this challenge and is taking comprehensive actions to address plastic pollution across its entire lifecycle.
As an expert in water and sanitation services, community engagement, and advocacy, I’ve witnessed firsthand the environmental and social consequences of unchecked plastic waste. Plastic pollution not only contaminates our waterways and ecosystems but also disproportionately affects communities with environmental justice concerns, contributing to the loss of biodiversity and exacerbating the impacts of climate change.
To tackle this global crisis, we need innovative, multi-faceted strategies that span the entire plastic lifecycle – from production and processing to use and disposal. In this article, I will explore how the Biden-Harris Administration is spearheading a whole-of-government approach to reduce plastic pollution, as well as highlight successful community-driven initiatives and advocate for sustainable solutions that can be replicated worldwide.
Addressing Plastic Pollution at the Source
One of the key principles outlined in the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Mobilizing Federal Action on Plastic Pollution: Progress, Principles, and Priorities” report is to assess and reduce pollution from plastic production. This is a crucial step, as over 90% of plastic is derived from fossil fuels.
Under President Biden’s leadership, federal agencies are taking important steps to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with the extraction of fossil fuels and the production of plastic. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for instance, is finalizing rules to reduce emissions of toxic air pollutants and harmful pollution from chemical manufacturing facilities that produce materials used in plastics. Additionally, the EPA is expanding the Toxics Release Inventory Program to improve public understanding of the releases associated with plastics production and has started the process of prioritizing key chemicals used in plastic production, such as vinyl chloride, for risk evaluations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
These actions not only address the pollution generated during the production stage but also work to enhance environmental justice by providing critical health protections to communities living near these facilities, many of which are disproportionately impacted by the negative effects of plastic manufacturing.
Innovating Materials and Product Design
Reducing plastic pollution also requires a shift towards more sustainable materials and innovative product design. Federal agencies, such as the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), are leading efforts to explore alternative materials and processing methods that can help create a more circular economy.
One key area of focus is the development of standards to promote recyclability and reuse, ensuring that products are compatible with existing waste management systems and have minimal impacts on human health and the environment. Additionally, agencies are investing in research and development of new materials that can replace traditional plastic, such as biobased or biodegradable alternatives.
For example, the USDA is supporting the development of innovative, plant-based materials that can be used in various applications, reducing the reliance on fossil fuel-derived plastics. Meanwhile, the DOE is collaborating with the private sector to advance chemical recycling technologies that can convert plastic waste into valuable raw materials, creating a more sustainable lifecycle for plastic products.
Decreasing Plastic Waste Generation
Reducing the overall quantity of plastic waste generated is a critical step in addressing the plastic pollution crisis. Federal agencies are leading by example, taking actions to curb single-use plastic within their own operations.
The Department of the Interior (DOI), under Secretary Deb Haaland’s leadership, issued a directive to reduce the procurement, sale, and distribution of single-use plastic products and packaging across all DOI-managed lands and facilities, with the goal of phasing out single-use plastics by 2032. This includes working with concessionaires to eliminate the sale of single-use plastics and providing more water bottle filling stations on public lands to encourage the use of reusable containers.
Similarly, the Biden-Harris Administration has announced a new goal to phase out federal procurement of single-use plastics from food service operations, events, and packaging by 2027, and from all federal operations by 2035. This commitment builds on President Biden’s Executive Order on Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs through Federal Sustainability, further leveraging the purchasing power of the federal government to reduce emissions, protect public health, and spur markets for sustainable products.
Improving Waste Management Infrastructure
Alongside efforts to reduce plastic waste generation, the Biden-Harris Administration is also investing in infrastructure to improve the reuse, recycling, and composting of plastic waste. The EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, have provided $275 million in funding for projects ranging from recycling and composting infrastructure improvements to technical support for local waste management staff.
These investments are crucial, as enhancing the collection, sorting, and processing capabilities of waste management systems is essential for ensuring that plastic waste is properly handled and prevented from entering the environment. Additionally, the EPA’s work to optimize collection and enhance plastic recycling helps to create a more circular economy, where plastic materials are continuously reused and repurposed rather than discarded.
Capturing and Removing Existing Plastic Pollution
While preventing future plastic pollution is a priority, the Biden-Harris Administration is also leading efforts to clean up existing plastic pollution in the environment, particularly in the ocean.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has provided nearly $70 million in federal funding for transformational, multi-year projects that remove large marine debris and use proven interception technologies to capture plastic waste throughout the coastal United States, Great Lakes, territories, and Freely Associated States. NOAA has also announced $27 million for its first 29 Sea Grant projects, which support the creation of coalitions and innovative research to address the prevention and removal of marine debris over time.
These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing the immediate impacts of plastic pollution while also investing in long-term solutions to prevent further contamination of our natural ecosystems.
Engaging Communities and Building Global Partnerships
Tackling the plastic pollution crisis requires a collaborative effort, involving all levels of government, the private sector, and local communities. The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes the importance of engaging with stakeholders and building global partnerships to create a coordinated and effective response.
At the international level, the United States has welcomed the historic opportunity at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5.2) in 2022 to start a process with other nations and stakeholders to fight plastic pollution. The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) are actively involved in these global discussions, sharing best practices and supporting initiatives that address plastic waste management across borders.
Domestically, the Biden-Harris Administration is working closely with state, local, Tribal, and Territorial governments to implement sustainable plastic waste management strategies. By leveraging the purchasing power of the federal government and providing funding for infrastructure improvements, the administration is empowering communities to take action and build resilience against the impacts of plastic pollution.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Plastic Pollution
The Biden-Harris Administration’s comprehensive strategy to tackle plastic pollution serves as a model for other nations and communities worldwide. By addressing the issue across the entire plastic lifecycle, from production to disposal, and by engaging stakeholders at all levels, the administration is demonstrating a holistic approach that can truly make a difference.
As a seasoned expert in water and sanitation services, community engagement, and advocacy, I am encouraged by the administration’s commitment to reducing plastic pollution and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. Through innovative materials development, improved waste management infrastructure, and global collaboration, we can work towards a future where plastic pollution is a thing of the past, and our environment and communities can thrive.
I encourage you to stay engaged with the https://jointactionforwater.org/ platform, where we will continue to share updates, best practices, and strategies for addressing the plastic pollution crisis in your local context. Together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable world for all.
