Re Envisioning Plastics Role In The Global Society

This book covers the challenges and opportunities presented by plastics in the modern era and sheds light on the complex interplay of technology, environment, and socio-economic dynamics. With a thorough exploration of the history, uses, and potential of plastics, the book reviews the impact of plastics beyond single-use plastics, and critiques multiple long-term plastic applications that are significant for food security, water resource management, ecological conservation/restoration, and sustainable urbanization. It also explores frameworks for achieving a more sustainable plastic economy aligned with sustainable development goals. This book comprises 13 chapters, commencing with a critical assessment of plastics in the context of sustainable development and global society. It proceeds with a historical overview of plastics' evolution, showcasing pivotal milestones and innovations in modern industry and daily life. Subsequent chapters delve into diverse topics: the intricate relationships between plastics, food security, and sustainable urbanization; plastics' impact on water safety, management, distribution, and conservation; their potential as an alternative energy source; and their innovative applications in sustainable transportation and energy generation. Emphasis is placed on plastics' role in waste reduction and recycling, as well as the latest sustainable alternatives like biodegradable and recyclable materials. In the book's final sections, readers will learn about green buildings and climate-resilient cities constructed using innovative plastic materials, and plastics' significance in space exploration. The book concludes with a forward-looking perspective on plastics' future, accompanied by recommendations for a more sustainable coexistence between society and these versatile materials. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, and concerned citizens seeking to navigate the intricate landscape of plastics, their environmental implications, and their potential for sustainable development.

While plastics are extremely useful materials for modern society, plastics production and waste generation continue to increase with worsening environmental impacts despite international, national and local policy responses, as well as industry commitments. The first of two reports, this Outlook intends to inform and support policy efforts to combat plastic leakage.

Plastic has become a ubiquitous part of modern life. A cheap, lightweight material, it is used in everything from food packaging to consumer electronics and microbeads in cosmetic products. However, we are becoming increasingly aware of the problems our reliance on plastic is causing in the environment. For example, recent campaigns have highlighted the build-up of microbeads in the marine environment and the damage this is doing to wildlife, and the problem of marine litter, often in very remote locations. There are also concerns over exposure to plasticisers and their possible consequences for health. The plastics industry is under increasing pressure, not only from the government and environmental groups, but also from consumers, to improve the environmental impact of their products. This book presents an introduction to the uses of plastics and an overview of how they interact with the environment. It is a valuable resource for students studying environmental science as well as researchers working in the plastics industry, and policy makers and regulators concerned with waste disposal and environmental planning and conservation.

The global community is far from achieving its objective of ending plastic pollution, unless more stringent and co-ordinated policies are implemented. A key question is: What are the plausible scenarios for the evolution of plastics in the absence of additional measures and, as well, with scaled-up policy action?

This book reviews comprehensively the opportunities and responsibilities of science, society and politics to combat plastic pollution in marine and freshwaters. It provides insights on what information is needed, and from whom, and it outlines policies proposed by various institutions including OSPAR, HELCOM and the European Union. Plastic waste has become a global threat to the aquatic environment that does not stop at country borders. Meanwhile, there are many efforts in science, industry, commerce and governments to tackle the problem worldwide. School education, NGO public actions, voluntary trade reduction measures, governmental management options and governmental regulatory actions are part of the portfolio of efforts to deal with the problem. Together with the companion volume Plastics in the Aquatic Environment - Part I: Current Status and Challenges, it provides scientists, policymakers and environmental managers with essential reference information on how this problem is being solved, what challenges and barriers are expected and how they can be overcome.

While plastics are extremely useful materials for modern society, plastics production and waste generation continue to increase with worsening environmental impacts despite international, national and local policy responses, as well as industry commitments. The urgent need to make the lifecycle of plastics more circular calls for an expansion of national policies and improved international co-operation to mitigate environmental impacts all along the value chain. The first of two reports, this Outlook intends to inform and support policy efforts to combat plastic leakage. The report quantifies the current production, use, disposal and key environmental impacts throughout the entire plastics lifecycle and identifies opportunities for reducing the negative externalities. It also investigates how plastics use and waste have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic across sectors and regions. The Outlook identifies four key levers for bending the plastics curve: stronger support for recycled (secondary) plastics markets; policies to boost technological innovation in plastics; more ambitious domestic policy measures; and greater international co-operation.

Many informal organisations around the world are making a positive impact on the environment and their communities by turning waste into a resource, increasing the social capacity of their community and reducing the amount of pollution in their environment. Ending Plastic Waste: Community Actions Around the World presents a collection of stories, advice and information from experts in the fields of waste management, plastic pollution and environmental finance to give a broad outlook on how 19 programs from 15 different countries are protecting our planet. By sharing these journeys, the authors hope to encourage others to take a community approach to ending plastic waste. Perfect for decision-makers working in environmental and marine fields, industry stakeholders and citizen scientist groups, this book provides guidance on how to successfully implement a new program, what resources are needed and the lessons learned by the people behind these programs in overcoming barriers.