United States: World’s Largest Plastic Waste Discharge Country: Science Advances
Science Advances:
Research The paper published in the academic journal “Science Advances” on October 30 is
We have reexamined the state of the United States as a plastic consumer.
The United States concludes that there is still more work to be done on waste management.
According to the paper:
Plastic production:
China is certainly the largest producer of plastics.
Plastic emissions:
In terms of emissions, the United States is by far the largest with 42 million tons (2016).
In addition, it is estimated to be the third largest amount of plastic waste in the world that is not properly treated and discarded along the coast.
US Recycle Volume:
The United States reclaims or incinerates 90% of plastic waste, and less than 10% recycles it.
And half of the recyclable plastic waste has been exported overseas for 30 years.
China bans imports of waste plastics:
In addition to China, the United States exported to developing countries with poor infrastructure for waste disposal.
However, in 2018 China banned the import of waste plastics to improve domestic environmental problems.
US Environmental Protection Agency: (EPA)
Five Asian countries were named in the marine debris control plan announced in October 2020.
Every year, more than half of the plastic waste that flows into the sea
China,
Indonesia,
Philippines,
Thailand,
Vietnam,
It is said to be of origin.
Scientists argue against EPA:
There is a problem with this EPA expression.
The United States is distorting the plastic problem.
This is because marine debris helps spread the US’s self-reliant perception that it is an Asian problem.
A paper published in the academic journal “Science Advances” on October 30
We reexamined the state of the United States as a plastic consuming country.
The United States concludes that there is still more work to be done on waste management.
National Geographic Japan version
https://natgeo.nikkeibp.co.jp/atcl/news/20/110400641/
The US is one of the world’s biggest sources of plastic pollution – The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/30/21542109/plastic-waste-united-states-ocean-pollution-study
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