The problem of plastic pollution is immense. Many know plastic bottles and other waste clog rivers and create huge floating islands in our oceans. But microplastics are found in animals and even humans. Recycling and reuse hasn't helped much, with an estimated recycling rate under 10%. There are ideas, however, that could reduce the amount of plastic waste and its impact on us and our planet.
On this episode of Deeper Shade of Green, Mitch Ratcliffe, Publisher of Earth911, describes the depth of the problem and how there are not systems or practices in place to handle plastics after they are used. He also shares innovations about how plastic can be made to have less impact, as well as thoughts on a 'circular economy' that would look at plastic waste as a resource, instead of just trash.
Research and production help for this episode by Hector Perez. Music from the Syracuse-based Jazz Group E.S.P.
