We’ve all been taught recycling is a sustainable way each of us can make a difference. But the truth is that the plastics industry paid millions to push this message--and to sell more plastic. Here's the dark truth and how it's led to some serious consequences.
Plastic industry officials long knew that recycling plastic on a large scale was unlikely to ever be economically viable. In fact, only 9% of all plastic ever created has been recycled. So where does all this plastic end up?
While the U.S. is the world’s biggest plastic polluter, all of this waste is exported to Southeast Asian countries. We desperately need better recycling infrastructures set up locally than relying on dumping our waste in developing nations. And we need to be advocating for lasting solutions to the plastic problem because our waste is our problem.
Host Sophia Li
Producer Stephanie Tangkilisan Sophia Li
Associate Producer Manal Ahmed
Researcher and Writer Sophia Li
Additional Researcher Manal Ahmed
Director of Photography Alison Boya Sun
Editor Alan Pun
Post Production Coordinator Skolastika Lupitawina
Editor-in-Chief Keshia Hannam
Head of Production Stephanie Tangkilisan
Animator Alan Pun
Graphic Design Samuel Kang Fitra Pratama Annie Zhao
Additional Archival Material Getty Images DW Planet A MBARI Derek Dahlsad smartestworkers Matt & Jonny Insider Business VICE News National Geographic Asumsi DW News VDI Zentrum Ressourceneffizienz The Leatherback Trust Insurance TV Ads Oceana
Additional Music Symphonic Collective - Mosaic Factories Ballian De Moulle - Waiting for the Answer Big Score Audio - Searching for Solutions
