The Recycling Myth: How Big Oil Shifted the Blame for Plastic Pollution

2025-06-03
The Recycling Myth: How Big Oil Shifted the Blame for Plastic Pollution

The ubiquitous "reduce, reuse, recycle" mantra, while well-intentioned, masks a disturbing truth about plastic pollution. Research reveals that the oil and gas industry knowingly promoted recycling as a solution, despite its limitations, to avoid accountability for their product's environmental impact. While recycling plays a role, it's insufficient to combat the growing crisis. The article exposes the inadequate recycling infrastructure and the industry's long-standing awareness of plastic's inherent difficulty to recycle. Real solutions require systemic change: stricter regulations on plastic production, investment in sustainable alternatives, and holding polluters accountable.

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