51
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An Overview of Plastic Waste Generation and Management in Food Packaging Industries. RECYCLING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/recycling6010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Over the years, the world was not paying strict attention to the impact of rapid growth in plastic use. This has led to unprecedented amounts of mixed types of plastic waste entering the environment unmanaged. Packaging plastics account for half of the global total plastic waste. This paper seeks to give an overview of the use, disposal, and regulation of food packaging plastics. Demand for food packaging is on the rise as a result of increasing global demand for food due to population growth. Most of the food packaging are used on-the-go and are single use plastics that are disposed of within a short space of time. The bulk of this plastic waste has found its way into the environment contaminating land, water and the food chain. The food industry is encouraged to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging materials. A wholistic approach to waste management will need to involve all stakeholders working to achieve a circular economy. A robust approach to prevent pollution today rather than handling the waste in the future should be adopted especially in Africa where there is high population growth.
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52
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Chen Y, Awasthi AK, Wei F, Tan Q, Li J. Single-use plastics: Production, usage, disposal, and adverse impacts. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 752:141772. [PMID: 32892042 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Single-use plastics (SUPs), invented for the modern "throwaway society," are intended to be used only once. They are being increasingly produced and used globally, most notably as packaging or consumables, such as SUP shopping bags or disposable tableware. We discuss how most SUPs are landfilled or incinerated, which causes pollution, consumes valuable land, and squanders limited natural resources. Only relatively small amounts are currently recycled, a hindrance to the concept of a circular economy. Moreover, SUP litter aggregation in the natural environment is a major concern. This article briefly reviews SUP contamination in various environmental media including soil, rivers, lakes and oceans around the world. In the face of mounting evidence regarding the threat posed to plant growth, soil invertebrates and other land animals, (sea) birds, and marine ecosystems, there is a growing push to minimize SUPs. Regulatory tools and voluntary actions to reduce SUP usage have been put forward, with some suggestions for minimizing SUP waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Chen
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Integrated Resource Utilization of China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | | | - Fan Wei
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Quanyin Tan
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jinhui Li
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, Beijing 100084, China.
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53
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Clayton CA, Walker TR, Bezerra JC, Adam I. Policy responses to reduce single-use plastic marine pollution in the Caribbean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 162:111833. [PMID: 33213855 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Caribbean economies depend heavily on a healthy marine ecosystem, but the region includes ten of the top global marine polluters per capita. Regional marine pollution is driven by illegal plastic waste dumping due to poor waste management systems with limited recycling, and weak enforcement. Governments recognize the impacts of marine debris on their social and economic well-being and have responded with policies to curb plastic pollution. Most focus on bans of single-use plastic and polystyrene, which comprises ~80% of Caribbean marine litter. However, there is little comparative analysis of policy responses to determine their efficacy. This paper reviews current policies in 13 English-speaking Caribbean countries, exploring tools used and process of implementation. Eleven have introduced legislative policies, with seven including fines and penalties for non-compliance. All successful policies involve multiple tools, including primary stakeholder engagement, sufficient lead time between policy announcement and implementation, and extensive public education campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
| | | | - Issahaku Adam
- Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
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54
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Patrício Silva AL, Prata JC, Walker TR, Campos D, Duarte AC, Soares AMVM, Barcelò D, Rocha-Santos T. Rethinking and optimising plastic waste management under COVID-19 pandemic: Policy solutions based on redesign and reduction of single-use plastics and personal protective equipment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 742:140565. [PMID: 32622168 PMCID: PMC7324921 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have been on top of the political agenda in Europe and across the world to reduce plastic leakage and pollution. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted plastic reduction policies at the regional and national levels and induced significant changes in plastic waste management with potential for negative impacts in the environment and human health. This paper provides an overview of plastic policies and discusses the readjustments of these policies during the COVID-19 pandemic along with their potential environmental implications. The sudden increase in plastic waste and composition due to the COVID-19 pandemic underlines the crucial need to reinforce plastic reduction policies (and to implement them into action without delays), to scale up in innovation for sustainable and green plastics solutions, and to develop dynamic and responsive waste management systems immediately. Policy recommendations and future research directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Diana Campos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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55
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Schmaltz E, Melvin EC, Diana Z, Gunady EF, Rittschof D, Somarelli JA, Virdin J, Dunphy-Daly MM. Plastic pollution solutions: emerging technologies to prevent and collectmarineplastic pollution. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 144:106067. [PMID: 32889484 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
As plastic waste accumulates in the ocean at alarming rates, the need for efficient and sustainable remediation solutions is urgent. One solution is the development and mobilization of technologies that either 1)prevent plastics from entering waterways or2) collect marine and riverineplastic pollution. To date, however, few reports have focused on these technologies, and information on various technological developments is scattered. This leaves policymakers, innovators, and researchers without a central, comprehensive, and reliable source of information on the status of available technology to target this global problem. The goal of this study was to address this gap by creating a comprehensive inventory of technologies currently used or in development to prevent the leakage of plastic pollution or collect existing plastic pollution. Our Plastic Pollution Prevention and Collection Technology Inventory (https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/plastics-technology-inventory) can be used as a roadmap for researchers and governments to 1) facilitate comparisons between the scope of solutions and the breadth and severity of the plastic pollution problem and 2) assist in identifying strengths and weaknesses of current technological approaches. We created this inventory from a systematic search and review of resources that identified technologies. Technologies were organized by the type of technology and target plastics (i.e., macroplastics, microplastic, or both). We identified 52 technologies that fall into the two categories of prevention or collection of plastic pollution. Of these, 59% focus specifically on collecting macroplastic waste already in waterways. While these efforts to collect plastic pollution are laudable, their current capacity and widespread implementation are limited in comparison to their potential and the vast extent of the plastic pollution problem. Similarly, few technologies attempt to prevent plastic pollution leakage, and those that do are limited in scope. A comprehensive approach is needed that combines technology, policymaking, and advocacy to prevent further plastic pollution and the subsequent damage to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Schmaltz
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - Emily C Melvin
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - Zoie Diana
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - Ella F Gunady
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Daniel Rittschof
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - Jason A Somarelli
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - John Virdin
- Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, Duke University, 2101 Campus Dr, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Meagan M Dunphy-Daly
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA.
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56
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Tavares DC, Moura JF, Ceesay A, Merico A. Density and composition of surface and buried plastic debris in beaches of Senegal. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 737:139633. [PMID: 32544756 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Debris poses a series of problems to marine life and human well-being. However, estimates of density and characteristics of debris found on beach surfaces and buried in the sand are patchy on a global scale and absent for West Africa. Here we investigate the density of surface and buried debris accumulated in two beaches with contrasting levels of urbanisation in Senegal, West Africa. We also describe type, colour, weight, size, and possible source of the 1766 items collected. The average density of debris buried at a depth of 10 cm (48.75 items/m2) was 25 times higher than that observed at the surface (1.92 items/m2). Plastics accounted for 97.62% of the items. Plastic bags and clothing plastic were the most common types, whereas white and transparent were the most common colours. Most items originated from mixed sources, i.e. beach users and land-based sources (51.30%). Debris density in the urbanised site was 20 times higher than that in the non-urbanised site. Debris density can, therefore, be largely underestimated when sampling only on the beach surface. Our study provides the first findings for future research on beach debris in Senegal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davi Castro Tavares
- Department of Theoretical Ecology & Modelling, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Jailson Fulgêncio Moura
- Department of Theoretical Ecology & Modelling, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Adam Ceesay
- Wetlands International Africa, Rue 111, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Agostino Merico
- Department of Theoretical Ecology & Modelling, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany; Department of Physics & Earth Sciences, Jacobs University Bremen, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany
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57
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Wyer H, Polhemus D, Moore S, Weisberg SB, Coffin S, Rochman CM. Steps Scientists Can Take to Inform Aquatic Microplastics Management: A Perspective Informed by the California Experience. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2020; 74:971-975. [PMID: 32662278 DOI: 10.1177/0003702820946033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that microplastic particles are pervasive and potentially of great risk to both animal and human health. The California legislature has responded to this information by enacting two new bills that require quantification of microplastics in various media and development of new management strategies to address microplastic pollution. However, there are several scientific gaps that impede the development and implementation of necessary management strategies to address microplastic pollution. In this paper, we use the California experience as a case study to provide perspective on those science gaps, the current barriers to science affecting management, and the actions scientists can take to best ensure their efforts are of greatest value to policymakers and the management community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Wyer
- California Ocean Protection Council, Sacramento, USA
| | - Darrin Polhemus
- California State Water Resources Control Board-Division of Drinking Water, Sacramento, USA
| | - Shelly Moore
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, USA
| | - Stephen B Weisberg
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, USA
| | - Scott Coffin
- California State Water Resources Control Board-Division of Drinking Water, Sacramento, USA
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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58
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Lucrezi S, Digun-Aweto O. "Who wants to join?" Visitors' willingness to participate in beach litter clean-ups in Nigeria. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 155:111167. [PMID: 32314746 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Public involvement in beach litter clean-ups can help tackle marine litter while providing experiential learning, raising awareness and stimulating anti-litter behaviour. Beach visitors contribute to litter generation by inappropriate discarding behaviour, and engaging them in litter removal can be beneficial. This study assessed visitors' (N = 512) stated willingness to participate in litter clean-ups at Elegushi Royal Beach, Nigeria, which is under pressure from litter problems visitors contribute to, and potentially emblematic of organised litter clean-ups. Beach visitors recognised marine litter as a global and national problem but did not perceive the case study beach as being littered. Willingness to participate in beach litter clean-ups was marginal. However, it was positively correlated with previous participation in litter clean-ups, perceived collective responsibility and the importance of policy and investments in reducing litter. These results were used to propose a framework to engage and recruit visitors in beach litter removal campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Lucrezi
- Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Oghenetejiri Digun-Aweto
- Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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