The Biden-Harris administration recently announced groundbreaking commitments to phase out single-use plastics across all federal government agencies, aiming to address the escalating plastic pollution crisis. As the largest single consumer globally, the U.S. federal government’s actions are poised to have a substantial impact on both environmental health and public policy. Erin Simon, vice president and head of plastic waste and business at WWF, remarked, “The administration’s commitment to removing single-use plastic products across an entity this large goes beyond the positive environmental effects, sending a message to the public and private sector across the world: if we can make change happen at scale, so can you.”
The administration’s commitment is part of an existing executive order and entails two key deadlines: phasing out all single-use plastic products across federal agencies by 2035 and eliminating such products in food service, packaging, and events by 2027. These measures are detailed in the “Mobilizing Federal Action on Plastic Pollution” report, which outlines a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to tackling plastic waste.
The newly released report provides a strategic analysis for achieving the administration’s ambitious goals. It responds to calls from non-governmental organizations and business communities advocating for policies like federal Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). EPR aims to shift the financial and operational responsibility of recycling from individuals and communities to the companies that produce and use these materials, thereby incentivizing companies to create more sustainable products and packaging.
The administration has set clear timelines for its plastic phase-out initiatives. By 2027, the federal government will phase out single-use plastics in food service, packaging, and events. By 2035, this phase-out will extend to all federal government operations. These targets build on President Joe Biden’s Federal Sustainability Plan and the Executive Order on Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs through Federal Sustainability, which mandates that the federal government achieve net-zero procurement by 2050.
Federal agencies are actively implementing steps to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. This includes introducing more water refill stations and finding alternatives to single-use plastic bottles. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also playing a crucial role by regulating the chemicals used in plastic manufacturing and advancing environmental justice. The EPA’s efforts include reducing emissions of toxic air pollutants and hazardous chemicals, expanding the Toxics Release Inventory Program, and prioritizing risk evaluations for chemicals used in plastic production under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
Central to the administration’s strategy is the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which reframes recycling systems by transferring costs from individuals to companies. This approach incentivizes companies to keep materials in the recycling system, transforming how plastics and other packaging materials are created, used, and reused. Additionally, the administration’s measures include regulating toxic per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” which are generated during plastics manufacturing.
The U.S. federal government’s decisive actions are expected to influence global efforts to tackle plastic pollution. This move comes ahead of international discussions aimed at developing a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution. Erin Simon from WWF highlighted the global significance of these actions, stating, “Cleaning up the global plastic mess must start at home. And today under President Biden and Vice President Harris’ leadership, the US government is doing exactly that. The world is watching; now is the time for bold commitments and concrete action on plastic.”
Implementing such an extensive phase-out will undoubtedly face challenges. Criticisms may arise from various environmental groups and industry stakeholders concerned about the feasibility and economic impact of these measures. Ensuring that these initiatives are maintained beyond the current administration will be crucial for their long-term success.
Plastic pollution disproportionately impacts communities with environmental justice concerns. The administration’s plan addresses these disparities by focusing on reducing pollution from plastic production and advancing regulations to protect affected communities. This includes actions by the EPA to reduce emissions from facilities producing chemicals used in plastics and prioritizing hazardous chemicals for risk evaluations.
Reducing single-use plastics offers significant economic and environmental benefits. The administration is investing $275 million in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants to support 140 projects, including composting, recycling, and local waste management improvements. These efforts will help reduce the environmental footprint of plastic waste, which the U.S. generates more than any other country, with the average American producing nearly 500 pounds of plastic waste annually.
Environmental organizations and advocacy groups have largely welcomed the administration’s commitments, viewing them as a critical step toward addressing the plastic pollution crisis. Industry responses have been mixed, with some companies preparing to adapt to new regulations while others express concerns about the economic implications.
The Biden-Harris administration’s bold commitments to phase out single-use plastics signify a pivotal moment in the fight against plastic pollution. Sustained efforts and public support will be essential in achieving these goals and setting a precedent for future environmental policies. Erin Simon said, “The world is watching; now is the time for bold commitments and concrete action on plastic.”
“Cleaning up the global plastic mess must start at home. And today under President Biden and Vice President Harris’ leadership, the US government is doing exactly that. The world is watching; now is the time for bold commitments and concrete action on plastic,” concluded Erin Simon.
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