Plastic offsetting schemes claim to fight pollution, but many rely on burning plastic waste in cement kilns, worsening air pollution and health risks.
Sara Hussein reports for AFP and SourceMaterial.
In short:
- A Cambodian cement plant burns thousands of tons of plastic waste, generating offset credits sold to global corporations like Ernst & Young and Royal Caribbean.
- Investigations found that most plastic credits fund burning rather than recycling, emitting greenhouse gases equivalent to over half a million barrels of oil.
- Experts warn that burning plastic releases toxic chemicals, harming local communities and failing to reduce plastic production.
Key quote:
“What we really need to do is not have so much plastic waste. That's the root solution.”
— Veena Singla, Columbia University environmental health scientist
Why this matters:
Plastic offsetting has emerged as a popular tool for corporations looking to bolster their sustainability credentials, but critics argue it does little to address the root cause of plastic pollution. The concept allows companies to invest in recycling programs or cleanup efforts while continuing to produce and use plastic at unsustainable levels. As the United Nations global plastic treaty talks move toward a final negotiating session, plastic credits have become a prominent topic.
Yet plastic waste continues to pose serious environmental and health risks. When burned, plastic releases toxic pollutants such as dioxins and heavy metals, which can contaminate air, soil and water. These substances have been linked to respiratory illnesses, cancer and developmental issues, disproportionately affecting communities near incineration sites.
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