environment
‘They pushed so many lies about recycling’: the fight to stop big oil pumping billions more into plastics
Plastic production has doubled over the last 20 years – and will likely double again. For author Beth Gardiner, metal water bottles and canvas tote bags are not the solution. So what is?
TL;DR
- Plastic production has doubled in the last 20 years and is projected to double again, driven by fossil fuel companies seeking continued profits.
- Beth Gardiner's book, "Plastic Inc," exposes how the industry deliberately pushed plastic into our lives, understanding the health and environmental impacts but prioritizing profit.
- Individual efforts like using reusable bags and bottles are acknowledged but deemed insufficient; the focus needs to shift to political and regulatory action.
- Recycling has been promoted by the industry as a solution, but Gardiner reveals internal documents showing they knew it was largely ineffective and intended to assuage consumer guilt.
- The industry has actively lobbied against legislation and treaties aimed at regulating plastic production and pollution.
- The article highlights communities and activists fighting against plastic plants and pollution, suggesting these actions do matter.
- Returning to pre-plastic eras for certain uses is feasible and existed within living memory, challenging the industry's narrative of necessity.
- Plastic's origins as a fossil fuel product are often obscured, making its connection to oil and gas demand less apparent to consumers.