Plastic Pollution Crisis: How Lawsuits are Holding Companies Accountable

The issue of plastic pollution, specifically in the form of plastic pellets known as nurdles, has become a significant problem in Charleston, South Carolina, and beyond. These small particles, used as raw material for many plastic products, have been washing up on beaches and in marshes, causing environmental and health concerns.

In response to this issue, environmental organizations such as Charleston Waterkeeper, the Southern Environmental Law Center, and the Coastal Conservation League have taken legal action against companies believed to be the source of the nurdles. One such case involved Frontier Logistics, L.P., which resulted in a $1 million settlement to improve water quality in the Charleston Harbor watershed.

The problem of plastic pollution extends beyond South Carolina, with nearly 60 lawsuits filed since 2015 targeting the plastics industry across the country. Attorneys general in states like Connecticut, Minnesota, and New York have also filed lawsuits against plastic manufacturers, raising the stakes in the fight against plastic pollution.

In California, Attorney General Rob Bonta is investigating the plastics industry and its claims about recycling, potentially leading to a case against major companies like ExxonMobil. The industry trade associations, such as the American Chemistry Council and the Plastics Industry Association, have filed lawsuits objecting to the investigation, citing first amendment rights.

Plastic pollution has become a global issue, with plastic production expected to triple by 2060. The lack of effective recycling programs and the harmful effects of plastic on the environment and public health have led to a surge in litigation against the plastics industry. These lawsuits aim to hold companies accountable for deceptive marketing claims and environmental damage caused by plastic waste.

As the legal battles continue, environmental advocates are hopeful that these lawsuits will lead to systemic changes in how plastic is produced, used, and disposed of. The outcome of these cases could have far-reaching implications for the future of the plastics industry and its impact on the planet.