A group of 175 nations are combating plastic pollution. 

For the first time, the U.S. committed to a national plan to address plastic waste, design, production and waste generation and removal. 

The policy calls for a federal standard for measuring microplastics, extended producer responsibility and banning single-use plastics. Though some states have initiated some of these steps, including New York, which banned single-use plastic bags in October 2020 and has taken other measures to combat plastic waste, there has been little to no national action against plastic pollution. 

Environmental law expert Sarah J. Morath points out one fatal flaw that policymakers are failing to consider, and it could be crucial to eliminating plastic pollution and preserving the planet’s health.