USA sets 2035 deadline to eliminate single-use plastics

USA – The US federal government has announced a new strategy to phase out single-use plastics nationally by 2035.

Titled “Mobilizing Federal Action on Plastic Pollution: Progress, Principles, and Priorities,” this strategy aims to combat plastic pollution across production, processing, use, and disposal stages.

A key element of this plan is the administration’s goal to eliminate national purchases of single-use plastics from foodservice operations, events, and packaging by 2027.

This initiative is part of President Joe Biden’s executive order on Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs through Federal Sustainability.

It aligns with the Federal Sustainability Plan, which targets net-zero procurement by 2050, including eliminating single-use plastic products.

White House environmental and climate officials Brenda Mallory and Ali Zaidi emphasized the urgency of addressing plastic pollution, stating: “With its multitude of environmental impacts across its supply chain, broad global effects, and severe public health consequences, plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing and consequential environmental problems in the US and around the globe.”

The strategy aims to leverage federal purchasing power to reduce emissions, protect public health, and stimulate markets for sustainable products.

It also seeks to enhance the US’s role in international efforts to develop an agreement addressing the global plastic pollution crisis.

Efforts include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protecting communities near chemical manufacturing facilities for plastic production, including rules to reduce emissions of toxic pollutants.

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland has issued Secretary’s Order 3407 to reduce single-use plastic products and packaging within the Department of the Interior, targeting a phase-out by 2032.

To promote this effort, the Interior Department is installing more water bottle filling stations on public lands and working with concessionaires to reduce single-use plastics.

The Department has already made progress in phasing out single-use plastics across public lands, a key effort highlighted by Secretary Haaland during the White House Summit on Building Climate Resilient Communities.

“The Interior Department must play a leading role in reducing the impact of plastic waste on our ecosystems and climate,” said Secretary Deb Haaland.

“As the steward of the nation’s public lands and the agency responsible for the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats, we are uniquely positioned to do better for our Earth.

“Our department-wide efforts inspire bold action to phase out single-use plastic products as we seek to protect our natural environment and surrounding communities.”

Since the signing of S.O. 3407, Interior facilities across the nation, including national parks, national wildlife refuges, and conservation lands, have made significant progress.

Key efforts include installing water bottle filling stations, increasing recycling, and working with concessionaires to reduce the sale of single-use plastic bottles, utensils, bags, straws, and other plastic products.

Bureaus and offices will continue to collaborate within the Department and with other agencies and partners to share and evolve best practices and update their plans accordingly.

The plans published today will be updated in 2024 to include step-down targets and additional details on where and how single-use plastics will be eliminated.

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