Plastics and Health: Solutions
Solutions to the plastic crisis are already at hand. The most effective approach to managing waste is to not make it in the first place through the phase out of single use plastics, the elimination of the most harmful plastics, and the rapid transition to non-toxic reuse and refill models.
Eliminate unneeded plastic use and promote non-toxic reuse. Lawmakers should enact policies that eliminate the unnecessary use of plastic including single-use packaging and pair that with incentives and subsidies for restaurants and other institutions to institute non-toxic reuse solutions. Safer States’ model policy includes sample language and precedence that establish reuse solutions.
Eliminate the most hazardous plastics and plastic additives. To protect public health, policymakers should ban harmful plastics such as PVC and polystyrene and toxic additives including plasticizers, flame retardants, and stabilizers.
Develop a microplastics testing strategy. As scientists continue to investigate the potential human health impacts of microplastics and the toxic chemicals they both contain and absorb, it is important that more work is done to monitor the presence of microplastics in the environment to better understand their occurrence and increase awareness around plastic pollution.
Ban intentionally added microplastics in consumer products. Some jurisdictions have banned intentionally added microplastics from all products. At a minimum, micro and nanoplastics should not be allowed in products.
Avoid False Solutions. While it is tempting to think that technology can solve the plastic pollution crisis in a way that allows us to maintain a single-use and throw-away culture, states need to avoid endorsing false solutions like chemical recycling and recycled content mandates and biodegradable plastic mandates that don’t eliminate harmful additives.
Safer States can provide model policies for policymakers interested in addressing the plastics crisis.
