WASHINGTON – Today, April 26, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is wrapping up Earth Week by highlighting the work the agency is doing to prevent plastic pollution.
"Plastic waste is growing and so is the impact it has on public health and the environment," said Cliff Villa, EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Land and Emergency Management. "This Earth Week, I challenge everyone to do their part to reduce plastic waste to protect our health and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy a safe and healthy planet."
The agency's efforts include promoting actions to reduce pollution from plastic production, decrease plastic waste generation through reuse, capture and remove plastics from the environment, expand markets for recycled goods, improve materials management infrastructure, and reduce contamination in the recycled materials stream.
In a recent development, the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided significant investment in recycling, supporting improvements to waste management systems and programs. EPA has also allocated grants to communities and states to enhance solid waste management planning and recycling infrastructure.
"Everyday ways to combat plastic pollution" include supporting policies and programs that aim to reduce plastic pollution, purchasing easily reusable or recyclable products, participating in community recycling programs, picking up litter for recycling or proper disposal, and reducing and reusing materials in everyday life.
Plastic pollution is a significant concern as plastic materials do not biodegrade fully in the environment, leading to accumulation in landfills and waterways. Additionally, plastic products contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions, with a substantial portion of these emissions arising from the production and conversion of fossil fuels into new plastic products.
To learn more about plastic pollution and ways to combat it, visit EPA's webpage on plastics and materials and waste. The agency's efforts align with a circular economy approach to prevent plastic pollution and protect human health and the environment.
For more information on EPA's initiatives and programs related to plastic pollution, including the Trash Free Waters program, visit the agency's website.
