TAMPA, Fla. – A brand new report from the Ocean Conservancy is giving america a failing grade in terms of combating plastic air pollution. The environmental non-profit gave the Sunshine State a 1.5 out of 5 stars for its present efforts, saying there’s important room for enchancment.
The discharge coincides with Plastic Free July, a world marketing campaign urging people and governments to chop down on single-use plastics.
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What they’re saying:
“4 out of 5 Individuals need to see plastics addressed,” mentioned JP Brooker, the director of the Florida Conservation Program at Ocean Conservancy. “And but, we’re solely giving states a mean rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars.”
Florida earned some factors within the report for steps like banning intentional balloon releases and permitting communities to ban smoking on seashores, which helps scale back litter. However, Brooker mentioned the state nonetheless has a significant roadblock: It prevents native governments from banning single-use plastic gadgets like baggage and utensils.
Dig deeper:
Brooker mentioned plastic air pollution isn’t simply an environmental situation, it’s additionally a menace to Florida’s economic system.
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He additionally advocates for Prolonged Producer Accountability (EPR) legal guidelines, already handed in seven states, that require producers to assist handle the waste they create.
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Florida is not alone in its low rating. The Ocean Conservancy’s report discovered that about 90% of states failed to satisfy fundamental requirements for plastic waste discount.
“The U.S. is the world’s primary generator of plastic waste,” Brooker mentioned. “We have to embrace a round economic system, the place plastics are reused and recycled, not simply thrown away.”
At the moment, the UN is engaged on world commerce to cut back plastic air pollution.
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Why it’s best to care:
The report comes as new research present microplastics are more and more being discovered within the human physique, elevating alarms amongst well being professionals.
“The issue is even worse now,” mentioned Dr. David Berger, a Tampa-based pediatrician. “It’s already in our water provide. It’s in our meals. Even when individuals begin avoiding plastics in the present day, it’s nonetheless in all places.”
The Ocean Conservancy’s report compiled the highest ten gadgets collected on Florida seashores. The prime three gadgets had been the next:
- Cigarettes Butts
- Plastic bottle caps
- Meals wrappers
Plastics straws got here in at No. 7.
Regardless of consciousness campaigns, cigarette butts have remained the primary merchandise for years, highlighting the continued problem of fixing public habits.
The Supply: The knowledge on this story was gathered by FOX 13’s Genevieve Curtis.
