Why Most Plastic Still Isn’t Recycled and What That Means for the Planet

Douglas McIntyre, Editor-in-Chief at Climate Crisis 24/7, highlights a troubling study showing that only 10% of global plastic production comes from recycled materials. The rest originates from fossil fuel sources like coal and oil, contributing further to climate change. Referencing research from Communications Earth & Environment, McIntyre emphasizes the urgency for policy-driven solutions to increase recycling rates. Without significant changes, the environmental burden of plastic—already long-lasting—will continue for centuries.