environment
Plastics contamination an ‘overlooked’ concern in food waste schemes, experts say
Researchers find microplastics can persist in compost, leaching into agricultural soils
TL;DR
- Plastic contamination is a central, overlooked concern in food waste management efforts.
- Diverting food waste from landfills can reduce climate impacts by 89%-99% and lessen nutrient pollution.
- Microplastics can persist in compost, potentially contaminating agricultural soils with an order of magnitude increase.
- The prevalence of plastic packaging on food contributes to the challenge, as imperfect separation technologies still allow plastic to enter the food waste stream.
- Policies aimed at diverting food waste, like Vermont's Universal Recycling Law, need to address the plastics issue proactively.
- Consumer expectations for perfect-looking produce and the necessity of plastic packaging for shelf-life create a tension for environmentalists.
- Strategies for reducing plastic contamination include making separation systems easier and promoting 'old-school environmentalism' like buying in bulk and careful separation.