Charlton, E. (n.d.). 5 steps that could end the plastic pollution crisis – and save our ocean. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/03/5-steps-that-could-end-the-plastic-pollution-crisis-and-save-our-oceans-eb7d4caf24/

 

According to a report by the World Wildlife Fund, there’s actually plenty to be done in terms of reducing our effect on the plastic pollution crisis. Unfortunately, the world isn’t as well versed in this particular issue as most environmental science teachers, so they broke it down into five methods. The World Economic Forum chimed in on this, outlining in a report the benefits of changing to a more circular system, where nothing made gets wasted. One big factor that contributes to plastic being wasted in the first place is it’s usability, and how most plastic products are used once then thrown away. A good first step would be to improve the product and make it recyclable while retaining its inexpensive nature.

The WWF is definitely aware of its audience, and how to talk to them. Putting potential solutions into just five points makes the plastic pollution crisis that much more digestible to the average consumer, and doesn’t throw big or confusing words and statistics out. Usability is being tackled at a different level however, with consumers simply buying metal water bottles and glass straws. It speaks for consumer priorities, however that isn’t an innovation on the plastic industry, just the water bottle industry. A more plastic-focused solution is required, one that doesn’t necessarily result in the purchase of more expensive alternatives, but ones that can still be recycled properly. Starbucks may have had the right idea with larger, recyclable lids.