On Friday, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and other stakeholders gathered in Washington D.C. at an event organized by the World Wildlife Fund and Upstream to discuss the role of reuse systems in a circular economy for plastics. The group called for significant investments, cultural shifts, local and national government engagement, and policy changes to scale up reuse systems. Representatives from Coca-Cola, Closed Loop Partners, r.Cup, DeliverZero, and other companies addressed the event, which convened at the same time as the US Environmental Protection Agency released a draft of its National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution.
Erin Simon, WWF’s vice president of plastic waste and business, whose recent paper on the role of reuse in a circular economy for plastics was referenced in the discussion, highlighted three key takeaways for successful reuse systems: environmental sustainability from sourcing to end of life, economically sustainable and revenue-generating, and equitable and convenient. She argued that if reuse systems could truly achieve these key elements, they would become the cornerstone of future circular systems.
Collaboration is crucial for success in this effort, and businesses, policymakers, and a range of stakeholders must work together to stem plastic pollution, according to industry experts. Panelists noted that cities and counties should consider making reuse infrastructure a municipal service or utility, while some, such as Upstream Chief Strategy Officer Priscilla Johnson, called on attendees to support a national bottle bill that would include reuse language. The EPA’s Director of Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery, Carolyn Hoskinson, expressed support for the reuse movement, noting that the latest plastic pollution prevention strategy recognizes the need to support communities in developing reuse programs and working with manufacturers to design more reusable products. Hoskinson added that the agency is embracing reuse as a part of “Part 2” of the national recycling strategy; however, she acknowledged that future strategies would be needed to address materials beyond plastics.
The White House has also recognized the importance of tackling plastic pollution and is building up staffing for plastic pollution projects. Jonathan Black, Senior Director for Chemical Safety and Plastic Pollution Prevention at the White House Council on Environmental Quality, noted that the administration announced an interagency policy committee on plastic pollution and a circular economy this week with representatives from departments and agencies across the federal government. Black emphasized that while recycling remains an important part of the solution, recycling alone would not solve the plastic waste crisis. He argued that reuse is a major part of the solution.
In conclusion, the call for collaboration on reuse systems continues to grow, with industry leaders emphasizing the need for stakeholders to work together to achieve sustainable, equitable, and convenient reuse systems. Policymakers can help drive this effort by adopting supportive policies such as national bottle bills, providing funding for community repair spaces, reuse centers, and staging areas for material reuse and donation, as well as working with manufacturers to design more reusable products. As the world continues to grapple with plastic pollution, all stakeholders must embrace change and work towards building resilient, circular, and sustainable systems for our future.
**(replace count: 487)**
<< photo by John Cameron >>