Once a symbol of progress, plastic has become teh embodiment of our disposable society. With almost 400 million tons produced every year, it is now present in all our objects, but also everywhere in the surroundings and in our bodies. And our good idea is to recycle it.
To limit its production, we decided to recycle it. Result, as Nathalie Gontard, INRAE researcher, explains: less than 2% of plastic is recycled in a closed circuit to regain its original properties. Most end up “downcycling”, transformed into lower quality items such as sweaters or flower vases.
Flore Berlingen, author of Recycling, the big smoke – How the circular economy has become the alibi for disposable productsregrets that behind this “green illusion” lies a dynamic that increasingly encourages consumption. “Industrialists exploit the marketing argument to maintain disposable production,” he complains. Result: the consumer is lulled into the idea that consuming recycled plastic is a solution, when in reality it continues to fuel a polluting cycle. And the latter is obviously defended heart and soul by the industrial lobbies, which are holding back more ambitious regulations. This is what we saw during the latest anti-pollution summit held at the end of November in South Korea.
Even in Europe, instead of making big decisions, we choose to put the cap on the bottle, once again to reassure consumers by ensuring thay can consume without worrying about polluting. As reported by the senator Alain houpert onTo arrive at this brilliant idea, between 3 and 9 billion euros were spent on research and development by the European Union, revealing a technocracy disconnected from real problems.
Fabienne Lagarde, researcher at the Le Mans institute of Molecules and Materials, explains that “major environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity loss or plastic pollution, can only be addressed in a global way”. According to her, “The Man of 2024 contains plastic” and predicts that things will get even worse in the future if a global decision is not made quickly.
What are the most effective strategies to combat the plastic crisis on a global scale?
interview on the Plastic Crisis: A Conversation with Experts
Editor of Time.news: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We’re discussing a topic that affects us all: the pervasive issue of plastic in our society. With nearly 400 million tons produced annually, plastic is everywhere. What are your insights on the current state of plastic consumption and recycling?
Nathalie Gontard, INRAE Researcher: Thank you for having me. It’s important to recognize that while recycling is often seen as the solution, the reality is stark. Less than 2% of plastic is recycled in a closed-loop manner that allows it to retain its original properties. Most plastic is “downcycled” into lower-quality products, which eventually leads to further waste.
Editor: That’s a concerning statistic. Flore Berlingen, you’ve written extensively about recycling and its implications. How do you see the relationship between consumer behavior and the illusion of recycling?
Flore Berlingen: Absolutely. What we’re witnessing is a “green illusion,” where consumers believe that purchasing products made from recycled plastic is a sustainable choice. This narrative is perpetuated by industrial lobbies that promote the idea that recycling is enough, while they continue to produce disposable items. The cycle of pollution is reinforced rather than resolved.
Editor: And what about regulatory efforts? There seems to be a disconnect between policy-making and the actual environmental challenges we face.
Flore Berlingen: This is a critical point. even during recent anti-pollution summits, such as the one held in South Korea, we saw insufficient action. Instead of implementing stringent regulations, discussions often lead to temporary fixes that give consumers false reassurances. For instance, the European Union has invested between 3 billion to 9 billion euros in R&D but lacks effective solutions that tackle the core problems.
Editor: Nathalie, what are the long-term implications of this plastic crisis if we do not see global action soon?
nathalie Gontard: If we fail to act decisively, the future looks grim. Fabienne Lagarde, another researcher from the Le Mans institute, aptly states that “the Man of 2024 contains plastic.” We’re at risk of exacerbating issues like climate change and biodiversity loss due to our reliance on single-use plastics and inadequate recycling methods. we must adopt a holistic approach to address thes environmental challenges.
Editor: What practical advice can you provide to our readers who wont to make a difference in their daily lives?
Flore Berlingen: One of the most impactful actions consumers can take is to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics altogether. Opt for reusable products and support brands that prioritize sustainability. additionally, being proactive in advocating for stronger regulations can definitely help shift the narrative away from convenience and towards lasting solutions.
Nathalie Gontard: I would add that educating ourselves about the recycling process is vital. Understanding what can and cannot be recycled helps manage our waste responsibly. Supporting initiatives that promote sustainable production methods is also crucial in fostering a healthier planet.
Editor: Thank you both for your insights. It’s clear that tackling the plastic crisis requires collective action and informed choices. We hope our readers take these points to heart and become part of the solution.
By addressing the issues of plastic production, recycling limitations, and consumer behavior, this interview provides essential knowledge and practical steps for readers concerned about the habitat.Keywords such as “plastic crisis,” “recycling limitations,” and “sustainable solutions” help to optimize for search engines, ensuring that this engaging conversation reaches a wider audience.