recycle plastic is a convinent myth

For decades, recycling has been championed as the ultimate solution to plastic pollution. But here’s the

 uncomfortable truth: recycling isn’t solving the problem—it’s perpetuating it.

The Numbers Don’t Lie Globally, only 9% of plastic waste has ever been recycled. Most ends up in landfills, or worse, our oceans.

Why? Because recycling plastic is complex, expensive, and often unprofitable. Many plastics degrade in quality after recycling, making them unsuitable for reuse. This ensures that virgin plastic production keeps rising—fueled by industries that profit from it.

The Myth of Convenience Recycling makes us feel good. It shifts responsibility to consumers while allowing corporations to continue producing billions of tons of single-use plastics.

By focusing on recycling, we’re addressing symptoms, not the root cause: overproduction.

What’s the Real Solution?

1. Reduction: The only way to tackle plastic pollution is to produce and use less plastic. Policies banning single-use plastics and encouraging reusable alternatives are essential.

2. Corporate Accountability: Companies must transition to sustainable packaging and invest in circular systems that don’t rely on plastic.

3. Systemic Change: Governments and industries must prioritise innovation in biodegradable materials and scalable waste management solutions.

Why This Matters Relying on recycling alone is like bailing water from a sinking ship without fixing the leak. Plastic pollution threatens ecosystems, human health, and future generations. It’s time to rethink our approach and demand meaningful action.

Recycling isn’t enough. what do you think can be the solution to the plastic problem?

I would really recommend reading this article by the United Nations Environment Program

(UNEP) :