The United States is by far the biggest contributor to global plastic waste in the world, according to a new report submitted to the federal government Wednesday that called for a national strategy to tackle the growing crisis. Overall, the US contributed around 42 million metric tons (MMT) in plastic waste in 2016 — more than twice as much as China and more than the countries of the European Union combined, according to the analysis. On average, every American generates 130 kilograms (286 pounds) of plastic waste per year, with South Korea next on the list at 88 kilos per year.

Ahmed, I. (2021, December 4). United States is world's biggest plastic polluter - report finds. Manila Bulletin, p. 7.