EPA releases a new strategy to target and reduce plastic pollution

New objectives released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) target a reduction in plastic pollution over the lifecycle of plastic products. The strategy estimates that 24 million tones of macro and microplastic pollution was leaked into the environment in 2019, highlighting the need for action. From plastic production all the way to the waste generated once a product is used, the objectives identify ways to reduce or eliminate the pollution associated with plastic. This “National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution” focuses on a broad spectrum of pollution from making sure fossil fuel extraction during the production process meets regulatory requirements to improving waste management practices and compositing efforts. The EPA considered over 90,000 public comments in drafting this strategy, more than 42,000 comments were submitted on behalf of Environment America, Environmental Action and PIRG.

One objective targeting the production process of plastic encourages governments at every level to review and “where appropriate” update regulations on how plastic is transported. When plastic is made we know that it’s formed into small pellets and then transported to molding facilities across the country. Those tiny pellets are often spilled and end up in our waterways and on our beaches in Florida. 

In a recent search of 16 locations around the sunshine state held by Environment Florida, we found plastic pellet pollution in half of them. Even though Florida only has one pellet producing facility that we know of, those pellets are still transported to manufacturers and our patrol results show that they are spilled or dumped into our environment during that process. 

We are in alignment with this strategy’s approach to review and update regulations for the largely unregulated process of transporting plastic pellets. At Environment Florida we are calling on our local leaders to embrace this new strategy and thoughtfully review how pellets are transported in their states and across the country. Our members of Congress should support bills like the Plastic Free Waters Act as a way to protect our gorgeous beaches and unique wildlife from plastic pellet pollution. 

To delve further into the six objectives take a look at the full “National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution.” By following these objectives the EPA believes we could eliminate the release of plastic waste from land and sea-based sources into the environment by 2040.