What is Greenwashing in Plastics Recycling?

You may have heard of “greenwashing,” but do you know what it means in the context of plastics recycling? Greenwashing in plastic recycling primarily stems from the plastic industry’s misleading claims that all plastic can be recycled, justifying the production of more plastic. In reality, most plastic is designed to be burned or dumped, leading to severe environmental consequences (4).

The Center for Climate Integrity’s study, “The Fraud of Plastic Recycling (3)” reveals that the top plastic polluters once produced durable packaging. However, realizing that durable products were not as profitable, the industry shifted to disposable plastic packaging. What became cheap and easy to transport, became the norm for the industry.

According to Renewable Matter, “56 companies are responsible for 50% of the world’s plastic pollution (1).” You can probably guess some of them. A study by the Break Free From Plastic Coalition lists the top five as the Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Danone, and Altria-Philip Morris International (2). 

To combat rising concerns about plastic pollution, the plastics industry engaged in deceptive public relations and advertising campaigns. They even coined the term “advanced recycling,” meaning they use chemicals or high heat to break down plastic waste into fuels, chemicals, and other materials but this is just another way to burn waste which creates unhealthy pollution levels in the air. Plastic, a finite resource, is not truly recyclable in the long run and will eventually pollute the environment in some form harming people, animals, and wildlife.

Fortunately, California Senate Bill SB No. 343, signed into law on October 5, 2021, ensures that claims about the recyclability of products and packaging must be truthful, providing consumers with accurate information on proper disposal.

However, even with this bill, there is still a need for greater clarity about what can be recycled. The chasing arrows symbol with the number on plastic items is not particularly helpful for determining recyclability. Instead, the shape of the item is the most crucial factor.

While most plastics cannot be recycled, it’s important to remember that other materials such as cardboard/paper, aluminum foil, glass bottles, jars, and cans can be recycled and should be the focus when determining what to place in your recycling cart.

In conclusion, plastic is ubiquitous in our lives, and the constant claims by the plastics industry about recyclability can be overwhelming. The good news is that small changes can make a significant difference. You don’t have to eliminate all plastic from your life at once. Instead, start with simple steps: bring your own reusable cotton bag on shopping trips instead of plastic bags, and/or use a reusable water bottle instead of plastic bottled water. If everyone gradually makes these changes in their daily routines, it could influence the plastics industry to return to producing durable, long-lasting products.

Is your plastic recyclable in Berkeley? Use the Resourcefulapp.com to find out. 

Citations:

1. [56 Companies Responsible for Half of the World’s Plastic Pollution]  
2. [Break Free From Plastic] 
3. [The Fraud of Plastic Recycling (PDF)] 
4. [Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives GAIA]