The use of plastics today is a highly wasteful, linear, take-make-waste model that is harmful to the environment and misses economic opportunities as value is literally thrown away. This linear economy for plastics requires energy and generates emissions for each production cycle that would largely be avoided, were plastic otherwise reused or effectively recycled.

In a report to the Smart Prosperity Institute, Usman Valiante examines the current state of plastic waste and offers solutions to the global epidemic of plastic waste. Governments, corporations and consumers all have a role to play.  Tougher regulations, judicious and recyclable use of plastics, extended producer responsibility, and smarter consumer choices can all contribute to reducing the amount of plastic filling up our world.