Statement

American Chemistry Council Responds to New York Times Magazine Article

Industry at Forefront of Efforts to Address Problem of Marine Debris

ARLINGTON, VA (June 22, 2008) – Today, the New York Times Magazine published an article on the global problem of marine debris.  At the American Chemistry Council (ACC) we agree that even one piece of plastic in the ocean is too many.  Plastics don’t belong in our waterways or on our beaches; they belong in the recycling bin.

We all have a responsibility to reduce litter and prevent our coastlines and oceans from becoming repositories for waste.  That is why the ACC and our member companies are partnering with government, academia, businesses and consumers to find solutions to the problems of litter and marine debris.

ACC is working with a diverse group of industry representatives, federal and state government officials, and representatives from non-governmental organizations to find ways to prevent litter from becoming marine debris.  This effort will include programs to reduce litter and encourage greater recycling.

In addition, by working in partnership with the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the nonprofit Keep California Beautiful, plastics producers have placed more than 500 new recycle bins on California’s beaches to help increase the recycling of plastics and keep them out of our oceans and waterways.  Through this and other efforts to promote plastics recycling nationwide, we are able to give plastics a second life to create products ranging from fleece jackets and detergent containers to carpeting and durable outdoor decking.

Plastics manufacturers are continuously improving plastic products and packaging through innovation.  Plastics are routinely re-engineered to become lighter and more efficient, which means lighter loads and fewer trucks and railcars needed to ship the same amount of product. Fewer trucks and railcars means less oil is needed to transport products – and, of course, it also means fewer emissions and lower shipping costs.  In fact, a recent study shows that using plastics instead of alternative materials helps to reduce energy consumption by 46 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 56 percent.

Marine debris is a complicated problem, and finding effective solutions will require cooperation and commitment.  Plastics producers are dedicated to being part of the solution to marine debris, and by working together, all of us can contribute to cleaner oceans, cleaner coastlines and a cleaner environment.  By educating consumers about litter prevention and recycling, expanding recycling technologies, and providing greater access to recycling, we are working to do our part.

Plastic is a valuable resource.  Too valuable to waste.