Plastic

We firmly believe we need positive outlets to reimagine the future during this crisis while also recognizing the fact that “Plastic packaging accounts for nearly half of all plastic waste globally, and much of it is thrown away within just a few minutes of its first use… When discarded in landfills or in the environment, plastic can take up to a thousand years to decompose” (Erik Solheim, 2018 UN Report). As restaurants move to take out only, grocery stores discourage customers from bringing their own bags, and we utilize necessary disposable plastic protective gear, our consumption of single use plastic is growing. How do we adapt and manage waste effectively in the face of these challenges?

In Vermont, we are continuing to recycle. However, John Casella , Chairman and CEO of Casella Waste Systems, has asked for flexibility in waste management during this time. “Casella, as well as other waste haulers in the state, have proactively asked Gov. Phil Scott and the Legislature to grant the secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources the authority to commingle recycling and solid waste during states of emergency.” In response, CSWD has testified in favor of continuing to recycle as much as possible and local organizations such as VPIRG have put out a call to action: Tell VT Officials to Keep Recycling in Vermont.

We have come to find that there aren’t any easy answers. How COVID 19 will change our ways of managing waste has yet to be seen. The recycling system is complex, but through this project, we hope to shed some light on the process and improve our waste-creating habits so that we can better our community in the long term.

In the meantime, if you find that you have a lot of plastic bags on hand, we have a way to transform them through weaving. We’d love to hear from you what you’re doing to manage and reuse plastic in your household. Be in touch!