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I used that phrase because of a recent policy change by China where they will no longer be the place where the West "recycles" its plastic garbage. The plastic
by njarboe 8y ago
I used that phrase because of a recent policy change by China where they will no longer be the place where the West "recycles" its plastic garbage. The plastic that people in the West clean diligently and sort into the recycle bin, in a kind of ritual of forgiveness for consumption, must now find another final resting place. I just did not believe other countries feel the need for the ritual of recycling yet. If they just get plastic into a landfill after use, that is all that is really necessary for the environment.
It would be almost impossible to calculate, but I would guess 98% of plastic reuse is an environmental net negative. Reduce and reuse. Then bury it. Maybe burning it for electricity generation would help if it would offset coal burning power plants.
- njarboe 8y agoEdit: 98% of plastic recycling