A recent report challenges California's approach to plastic recycling, citing concerns over illegal exports and the state's "Truth in Labeling" law.
James Bruggers reports for Inside Climate News.
- California's recycling law, aimed at accurate recyclability claims, faces scrutiny for potentially allowing misleading labels and illegal plastic waste exports.
- Environmental groups criticize the state's preliminary data, arguing it could mislead consumers and exacerbate plastic pollution.
- The controversy highlights the complex issues surrounding plastic recycling, including contamination and the global trade in waste.
Key quote:
"As a state, California is still misleading its own citizens and the world when it comes to pretending to be able to recycle most of our plastic wastes."
— Jan Dell, founder of The Last Beach Cleanup.
Why this matters:
With only 6% of plastics recycled nationally, the failure to manage plastic waste has a detrimental affect on global health and environmental sustainability. Every stage of plastic production and use is harming human health.
