White House unveils new strategy to phase out single-use plastics

The White House has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to combat plastic pollution in the U.S. and globally.

The strategy titled ‘Mobilizing Federal Action on Plastic Pollution: Progress, Principles, and Priorities’ aims to combat plastic pollution across production, processing, use, and disposal.

Key points of the strategy

Federal commitment

The administration aims to phase out single-use plastics in federal food service operations by 2027 and across all federal operations by 2035. This aligns with the Biden-Harris broader sustainability goal, including achieving net-zero procurement by 2050.

Innovative approaches

The strategy encourages innovation in materials and product design, promoting alternatives that are recyclable and have minimal environmental impact. Federal agencies will work on developing standards to support recyclability and reuse.

Waste management

Improving waste management practices is a priority, with investments in infrastructure to ensure plastic waste is handled in an environmentally sound and worker-safe manner. This includes optimising plastic collection and enhancing recycling efforts.

Plastic reduction efforts

The plan emphasises reducing the generation of plastic waste by limiting the use of unnecessary materials and introducing environmentally friendly systems like water refill stations to replace single-use plastic bottles.

Cleanup initiatives

Federal agencies will lead efforts to clean up existing plastic pollution, particularly in oceans, and prevent further plastic waste from entering the environment.

This strategy leverages the federal government's purchasing power to reduce emissions, protect public health, and spur the market for sustainable products. It also supports international efforts to address the global plastic pollution crisis.

By targeting plastic pollution through coordinated efforts across federal, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as engaging with the private sector, the U.S. aims to create a more sustainable future.