Major population in America is not aware of the origin of plastics: a recent key finding from a survey conducted in 10 countries — Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States as part of the fifth phase of talks for a Global Plastic Treaty. A main highlight finding is the knowledge unbeknownst to the public regarding how Plastic comes from Petroleum.

Plastic Comes from Petroleum: Surprising Survey Insights

The survey conducted by the Break Free From Plastic organization responsible for several plastic pollution movements has found that “While a majority of respondents know that plastic is primarily made from oil, just 52 percent of Americans, and 58 percent of Canadians and British respondents know that plastic is primarily made from oil, compared with 63 percent of Kenyan respondents and 75 percent of French respondents,”

Kenyan respondents (63%)have exhibited higher awareness than Americans (52%) and Canadians (58%), contrasting the usual Eurocentric view.

Plastic is extrapolated from crude oil and natural gas through polymerization. Multiple industries depend on raw materials such as ethylene and propylene for plastic production. The link between fossil fuel extraction and plastic pollution contributes to climate change.

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Global Awareness and Misconceptions

Most survey respondents overestimate recycling rates, with actual rates at just 9%. According to the survey, Spanish, French, British, and Korean respondents were found to be more likely to identify corporations or governments as responsible for plastic pollution than individuals. There’s this wide gap between the general populace’s knowledge and accurate information. Among the ten surveyed countries where only 9 % of the plastic was recorded to be recycled, the survey respondents’ answers ranged from 34 percent to 49 percent.

According to Justine Maillot, the Europe Coordinator from Break Free From Plastic, “The fact that most people overestimate the amount of recycled plastic is not surprising. The oil, gas, and petrochemical industries have spent millions of dollars on campaigns to convince the public that recycling is effective. The reality is that just nine percent of plastic globally is recycled. We need drastic production cuts to end the plastic crisis effectively,”

Plastic Pollution: A Shared Global Crisis

84% of survey respondents support reducing plastic production to combat pollution. Kenya is leading the effort in education and legislation, raising awareness, and setting an example for others. India is recorded to emit 20% of global plastic waste and struggles with underreported waste generation rates. Of all the Single-use plastics, 36% are mismanaged. This calls for global cooperation and adjusting the public knowledge system to increase awareness and reform.

Also Read: Biodegradable Plastic In Everyday Life: Products You Didn’t Know Were Eco-Friendly