🌍 Climate Impact: Fossil Fuels in Disguise

Plastic is not just a waste problem — it is also a climate problem. Nearly all plastics are derived from fossil fuels, primarily crude oil and natural gas. The extraction, refining, and production of plastics are energy-intensive processes that release large amounts of greenhouse gases.

Globally, plastic production already accounts for over 850 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually, equivalent to the emissions of nearly 200 coal-fired power plants. By 2050, plastics alone could be responsible for 13% of the world’s entire carbon budget — undermining international efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Beyond production, the end-of-life stage of plastics is equally destructive. When plastic waste is incinerated, it releases toxic pollutants along with carbon dioxide and methane — some of the most potent greenhouse gases. Even in landfills, plastics slowly emit methane as they break down under sunlight and heat.

In other words, plastic is essentially fossil fuel in solid form — disguised as packaging, bottles, and disposable goods. Replacing these with compostable, bio-based materials is a direct strategy to cut carbon emissions, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and fight climate change.