The Life of Plastic: Tackling Plastic Pollution within the Circular Economy

On October 21, the Delegation of the European Union to the U.S., in cooperation with Anacostia Riverkeeper, convened a transatlantic exchange of perspectives on tackling plastic pollution. The panel featured Mercedes García Pérez, Head of Global Issues and Innovation, Delegation of the European Union to the U.S., Trey Sherard, Riverkeeper, Anacostia Riverkeeper, and was moderated by Laura Parker, Senior Staff Writer, National Geographic.

Panelists addressed the entire lifecycle of plastics beginning with design, and including production, consumption, and disposal. The speakers also identified sustainable alternatives within the framework of a circular economy and highlighted ways to improve current waste management practices, while also discussing the impact of EU and U.S. policies on healthy waterways, marine biodiversity, climate change, and human health.

The EU is spearheading global efforts to reduce and avoid plastic pollution, including marine litter. Next to ambitious reuse and recycling targets, EU policy helps reducing single use plastics and microplastics as well as waste from lost fishing gear. Join our global campaign for clean, plastic-free oceans!