EPA Emphasized the Fight Against Plastic Pollution During Earth Week
The agency ended Earth Week with a spotlight on its efforts to combat plastic pollution.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- May 01, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) marked the conclusion of Earth Week with a reminder to combat plastic pollution through waste reduction, reuse, recycling and litter cleanup.
“Plastic waste is growing, and so is the impact it has on public health and the environment,” EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Land and Emergency Management Cliff Villa said in a statement. “I challenge everyone to do their part to reduce plastic waste to protect our health and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy a safe and healthy planet.”
The EPA's Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution—coupled with the National Recycling Strategy—outlines measures that governments, businesses and nonprofits can adopt. These actions include reducing pollution from plastic production, promoting reuse, enhancing waste management infrastructure and expanding markets for recycled goods.
Notably, the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated substantial funding for recycling initiatives, including grants totaling over $73 million to 25 communities under the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) program. Additionally, the EPA disbursed approximately $32 million to states and territories to bolster solid waste management systems.
Furthermore, the EPA announced grants exceeding $60 million for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia and over $33 million for Recycling Education and Outreach initiatives. To encourage individual action, the EPA recommends supporting anti-pollution policies, opting for reusable or recyclable products, participating in local recycling programs and minimizing waste generation.
For more on plastic pollution and how to combat it, visit the EPA’s Sustainable Management of Plastics web page.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor for Environmental Protection.