Question

a future without plastic sustainability and circularity​

Answer 1

$\huge\star\underline{\mathtt\red{A}\mathtt\green{N}\mathtt\blue{S}\mathtt\purple{W}\mathtt\orange{E}\mathtt\pink{R}}\star\:$

The world’s current economic system is reliant on access to low-cost and readily available resources. The wastes building up in our coastal and marine environments are a notable symptom of this take-make-and-dispose model, also known as the linear economy. In recent years, single-use plastic packaging waste has become a major concern: in 2015, this accounted for approximately 47% of the plastic waste generated globally.

The qualities that make this type of material effective in preserving goods and being produced in high volumes are the same ones that make it problematic -- single-use plastic packaging is often light, cheap, flexible, and lasts for thousands of years. However, its low value makes it difficult to recycle and resell, which makes it more susceptible to mismanagement and improper disposal.

“A circular economy redefines current production and consumption patterns in a way where business and growth support positive economic, social, and environmental benefits throughout supply chains, business models, and life cycles, from the choice of raw materials, design of products/services, to recycling and end-of-life.”

Asia lies at the center of the global plastic pollution crisis resulting from this linear economy. In 2015, the Ocean Conservancy estimated that up to 60% of marine plastic pollution comes from five countries in Asia: the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Viet Nam, and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). One approach to reducing single-use plastic packaging waste is transitioning to a circular economy. A circular economy redefines current production and consumption patterns in a way where business and growth support positive economic, social, and environmental benefits throughout supply chains, business models, and life cycles, from the choice of

raw materials, design of products/services, to recycling and end-of-life. Like a linear economy, a circular economy still aims to meet basic human needs and generates economic benefits but leaves minimal environmental impact. Effective resource management in a circular economy could create nine to 25 million jobs. Private investors could save up to US$2.9 trillion a year by 2030 as a result of the lowered costs of raw materials and the promotion of employment and innovation.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has not only hit the pause button on global economies and daily life, but also disrupted the waste value chain and significantly increased medical and plastic waste. This presents an opportunity to rebuild using more sustainable models, create green and resilient livelihoods, and advance technology innovation. Technology innovation can help businesses, governments, and communities transition to an inclusive circular economy faster and more efficiently.