Plastics: are they part of the zero-waste agenda or the toxic-waste agenda?

Abstract Background Plastics were considered as a magical material owing to their strong, non-degradable and versatile characteristics. After five decades of mass application, plastics’ property non-biodegradability has become one the key concerns for scientists, civil society government pollution damage that plastics cause our environment. Globally we have generated 8.3bn tonnes since 1950s around 9% been recycled, 12% incinerated remaining 79% ended up in The core question is, should this waste be minimised through zero-waste agenda or banned toxic-waste agenda? Results study analyses zero plastic toxic agenda. It practices at different levels including family community, industry city levels. In addition, investigates need phase out plastics. identified both approaches. As promote throwaway living which is responsible generating undesirable waste, it tackled better design principles sustainable consumption short-term proposes strategic framework moving towards society. At same time, there identify those are leading serious impacts micro-particles necessitate them phased more quickly transitioning bio-plastics. Conclusions Both agendas urgently needed. concludes least three things short term implemented simultaneously achieve Firstly, - eliminate creating any unnecessary closed-loop thinking. Secondly, collaborative avoid reduce avoidable waste. Finally, management prioritise value, retain wasted materials recover all resources. also establishes new long-term needs created must toxicity. Consequently, suggests process line with transition post fossil-fuel era United Nations initiatives joint action Paris Agreement Basel Convention.