In Response: The evidence-What actions are needed, and who should take responsibility? An academic perspective

摘要

Plastics have enormous potential to reduce the human footprint on our planet. Yet some of the most widely publicized issues are the negative effects of end-of-life plastics that are accumulating in the environment. To maximize the benefits plastics can bring, it is essential that we address environmental issues associated with their production, consumption, and disposal . What, then, is the current state of knowledge about the problems and the potential solutions? Each year, more than 280 million tons of plastic are produced globally. A key benefit of plastics is their durability; yet approximately one-third of production consists of disposable packaging that is discarded within a year or so. These items are accumulating in the environment as debris, as well as in regulated landfills .