The Myth of Plastic Recycling - with Dr. Veena Singla

Plastic manufacturers want you to believe they can recycle plastic without polluting the world. Don't believe it.

This week on Green Street, Patti and Doug talk about how plants take up plastic and what it means for agriculture (and your garden), how plastic dust from construction sites is a major source of worldwide pollution, and why the smoke from wildfires is much more hazardous and damaging than previously understood. Then Dr. Veena Singla from the National Resources Defense Council talks about the various ways in which plastic manufacturers are trying – so far unsuccessfully – to recycle their product and convince the public that our global plastic crisis can be easily solved. 

The Myth of Plastic Recycling with Dr. Veena Singla

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Links from the Interview

Dr. Singla's page at the Sustainable Packaging Coalition: https://sustainablepackaging.org/people/veena-singla/

The Burning Truth Behind Chemical Recycling (video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJGDCCgELMk

Links from the News

Plastic particles are infiltrating plants: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1097394#:~

New Jersey towns are limiting plastic pollution from construction sites: https://www.beyondplastics.org/board/brian-thompson

International group of scientists call for immediate action on PFAS chemicals: https://www.ehn.org/pfas-chemicals

Wildfire smoke is much more hazardous than previously understood: https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/scientists-predict-wildfire-smoke-will-costly-climate-related-health-h-rcna231466