Governance

(scientific) publications (peer-review, essays, book chapters, poster etc.)

Type of Result

Citation

Mederake, Linda (2022): Without a Debate on Sufficiency, a Circular Plastics Economy will Remain an Illusion. Circ.Econ.Sust. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-022-00240-3

Tags

Participation

Social perception

Article download (in German)

Publikationstyp

Wege zum nachhaltigen Umgang mit Kunststoffen

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Tue, 03 May 2022 10:13:46 +0000

Wege zum nachhaltigen Umgang mit Kunststoffen linda.mederake… Tue, 05/03/2022 - 12:13

Untertitel

Kernbotschaften sozialwissenschaftlicher Forschung

Titelbild

Beschreibung

The volume of plastics entering the environment is growing worldwide. Since existing regulations are not sufficient to curb the problem, the ever-increasing plastic production and use must be reduced. A systemic approach is needed that holds all actors responsible who produce, use, recycle, dispose and trade in plastic products and packaging. Policymakers must drive the necessary paradigm shift and facilitate a sufficiency debate across society.

This article summarizes the results of the social science research conducted as part of the research focus in 11 key messages. The results were developed in the course of the following joint research projects (or their social science sub-projects): ENSURE, Innoredux, InRePlast, PlastikBudget, PlastikNet, PLASTRAT, PLAWES, REPLAWA, SubµTrack and VerPlaPoS.

Further Links

DOI

https://doi.org/10.14512/gaia.31.1.12

Magazine

GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society

Year

2022

Type of Result

(scientific) publications (peer-review, essays, book chapters, poster etc.)

Citation

Beyerl, Katharina; Bogner, Franz; Daskalakis, Maria; Decker, Thomas; Hentschel, Anja; Hinzmann, Mandy; Loges, Bastian; Knoblauch, Doris; Mederake, Linda; Müller,, Ruth; Rubik, Frieder; Schweiger, Stefan; Stieß, Immanuel (2022): Wege zum nachhaltigen Umgang mit Kunststoffen. Kernbotschaften sozialwissenschaftlicher Forschung. GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society, 31(1), 51-53.

Tags

Awareness raising

Social perception

minimization strategies

Article (restricted access)

Publikationstyp

Querschnittsthema

Eine Kreislaufwirtschaft für Kunststoffe – Aktuelle Diskussionen, Trends und politische Herausforderungen

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 12:59:35 +0000

A circular plastics economy - Current discussions, trends and political challenges linda.mederake… Wed, 02/23/2022 - 13:59

Untertitel

A reflection of the Tutzing Symposion 2021 „Polymers for a better life and circular economy“

Titelbild

Beschreibung

The article reflects on the 59th Tutzing Symposion entitled "Polymers for a better life and circular economy" that took place as an online event in October 2021. Based on the presentations at the symposium, the contribution provides an overview of current debates on the circular plastics economy, as well as insights into existing political regulations, present challenges, and possible future developments with regard to this major societal project.

Among other topics, the article addresses the comparability of life cycle assessments, (chemical) recycling, and challenges in developing new business models. It also addresses the material and political limits of the circular economy and criticizes attempts to locate the responsibility for solving the plastic problem mainly in the individual behavior of citizens. Looking at existing regulations and policy initiatives at national, European and international levels, the article states the lack of a holistic, overarching approach. The article concludes with an appeal for more exchange and discussions between industry, politics and authorities as well as civil society in the political decision-making process.

Further Links

DOI

https://doi.org/10.37307/j.1863-9763.2022.02.05

Magazine

Müll und Abfall

Year

2022

Author

Erich Schmidt Verlag (ESV), Germany

Publisher

Type of Result

(scientific) publications (peer-review, essays, book chapters, poster etc.)

Citation

Mederake, Linda (2022): Eine Kreislaufwirtschaft für Kunststoffe – Aktuelle Diskussionen, Trends und politische Herausforderungen. Eine Reflexion des Tutzing Symposions 2021 „Polymers for a better life and circular economy“. In: Müll und Abfall, 54 (2), 77-83.

Tags

Life Cycle Assessment

Environmental accounting

Publisher's page for the anthology "Einfach weglassen".

Recycling

Regulation

Resource conservation

Publikationstyp

Plastikvermeidung auf kommunaler Ebene

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 11:22:05 +0000

Plastic waste prevention at the municipal level linda.mederake… Tue, 01/05/2021 - 12:22

Titelbild

Beschreibung

The discussion about plastic waste is anything but new for German municipalities. In fact, as early as the 1980s, numerous German municipalities were experimenting with plastic waste prevention regulations and waste prevention in general. A further impetus for plastic waste prevention was provided in the early 1990s with the discussions on the introduction of a nationwide packaging ordinance. After almost three decades of stagnation - including setbacks with regard to the expansion of return systems and the increase of single-use packaging - the issue of plastic prevention and packaging reduction in municipalities is now receiving renewed attention as a result of increased societal awareness and political regulations at EU level.

This book chapter by Linda Mederake (Ecologic Institute) and Dorothea Seeger (BUND) deals with the possibilities for municipal action to avoid plastics. These options range from information and awareness-raising activities to political decisions, regulatory requirements and public procurement as a driver of packaging reduction. The authors point out that the greatest untapped potential for reducing packaging waste at the municipal level lies in the areas of informal administrative action and public procurement.

The best practice examples presented in this article show that it is possible to do things differently. In addition, private-sector and civil-society initiatives can harness additional potential for plastic prevention.

Further Links

ISBN

978-3-96238-243-8

Year

2020

Author

Authors

(scientific) publications (peer-review, essays, book chapters, poster etc.)

Dorothea Seeger

Type of Result

Citation

Mederake, Linda; Seeger, Dorothea (2020): Plastikvermeidung auf kommunaler Ebene. In: Kröger, Melanie; Pape, Jens; Wittwer, Alexandra (eds.) (2020): Einfach weglassen? Ein wissenschaftliches Lesebuch zur Reduktion von Plastikverpackungen im Lebensmittelhandel. ISBN: 978-3-96238-243-8. Oekom Verlag, München.

Tags

Background Paper: Plastics Policy in Germany and the EU (PDF, German)

Publikationstyp

Hintergrundpapier: Plastikpolitik in Deutschland und der EU

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 08:23:28 +0000

Background Paper: Plastics Policy in Germany and the EU linda.mederake… Thu, 04/23/2020 - 10:23

Titelbild

Beschreibung

Plastic pollution – especially the dramatic littering of the oceans – and the public concern about it, has powerfully brought the issue on the European and German political agenda. Since then, there have been a whole series of new initiatives to regulate plastics - especially at EU level.

This background paper provides an overview of existing and new laws and initiatives regarding plastics in Germany and the EU. Despite the multitude of approaches, guidelines and laws, regulatory gaps remain. The greatest need for action exists in the areas of strengthening recycling and use of recycled plastics as well as waste prevention. Waste prevention remains the unwanted child in the resource discourse, although it almost always represents the best option in terms of environmental policy.

The authors Linda Mederake, Mandy Hinzmann and Susanne Langsdorf accordingly urge for a stronger systems thinking. An interdepartmental, coordinated plastics strategy in Germany could combine the relevant activities of the plastics policy, work out an overarching plan taking into account the waste hierarchy and contribute to its implementation. In addition, clearly formulated and measurable goals should be defined and a process-accompanying success control should be established.

The publication can be downloaded here as PDF in German.

Attachments

Year

2020

Author

(scientific) publications (peer-review, essays, book chapters, poster etc.)

Mandy Hinzmann

Susanne Langsdorf

Authors

Type of Result

Citation

Mederake, Linda; Hinzmann, Mandy; Langsdorf, Susanne (2020): Hintergrundpapier: Plastikpolitik in Deutschland und der EU. Ecologic Institut: Berlin.

Tags

Discussion paper of the Cross-Cutting Topic 4 "Social and Political Dimension of Plastics in the Environment" [PDF, German]

Publikationstyp

Querschnittsthema

Plastik in der Umwelt: Sozialwissenschaftliche Perspektiven

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 14:22:18 +0000

Plastik in der Umwelt: Sozialwissenschaftliche Perspektiven linda.mederake… Tue, 03/24/2020 - 15:22

Untertitel

Discussion paper of the Cross-Cutting Topic 4 "Social and Political Dimension of Plastics in the Environment"

Titelbild

Beschreibung

Plastic is a material of immense social importance and presence. It is therefore necessary to not only consider technical solutions in order to develop plastic reduction strategies, but also involve the social dimension.

In this discussion paper, the social dimensions of plastics in the environment are examined from various perspectives and disciplines, making them more tangible for researchers as well as for stakeholders in politics, media and industry. The paper thus serves as a basis for inter- and transdisciplinary cooperation in the development of plastic reduction strategies.

The authors point out the challenges that arise in regard of the diverse fields of application and the international circulation of plastics. They emphasize that there is a need for action, especially for stakeholders from industry, politics and society. Furthermore, solution strategies should take into account the entire life cycle of plastics and not only address late stages.

These and other findings can be found in the discussion paper, which is available for download [PDF] in German.

Attachments

Further Links

Cross-Cutting Topic 4: Social and Political Dimension of Plastics in the Enviro…

Year

2020

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Tags

Social sciences

7 March 2020: Ecological use of plastics - can it exist?

Publikationstyp

Querschnittsthema

Interessierte für Bürger*innenempfehlung im Umgang mit Plastik gesucht

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 14:57:24 +0000

Interested people wanted for citizens’ recommendation on the handling of plastics janna.vakili@e… Tue, 02/11/2020 - 15:57

Further Links

14 March 2020: Plastics in sports - artificial grass and plastic cups

21 March 2020: Get a Grip - Tire abrasion on German roads

28 March 2020: Good green? Plastic (waste) in the home and garden

Website of the joint research project Plastikbudget

Beschreibung

The joint research project "Plastikbudget" is organizing citizen forums on four Saturdays in March, with the aim to work out citizens’ recommendations on the use of plastics. Everyone interested is warmly invited to join! The individual events deal with the following topics: ecological use of plastics, plastics in sports, tire abrasion and plastic (waste) in the home and garden.

The aim is to feed citizens’ recommendations developed with your expertise directly into federal politics.

In addition to free participation and hospitality, you will also be offered input from experts. You can find further information on the events via the listed event links. The events will be held in German.

Date

14 March 2020

Tags

Microplastics

Date sort

Sat, 03/14/2020 - 12:00

Hide on overview

Aus

Bildergalerie

Get a Grip

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 14:13:46 +0000

Get a Grip janna.vakili@e… Tue, 02/11/2020 - 15:13

Untertitel

Tire abrasion on German roads

Titelbild

Beschreibung

The event is postponed.

How can we address the largest problem tied to microplastics emission: tire abrasion?

This event of the joint research project "Plastikbudget" gives you the opportunity to collaborate with experts and develop citizen recommendations for politics.

Invited experts are:

Gerhard Dahmen (Strassen.NRW)
Jürgen Bertling (Fraunhofer Institute)
Steven Engler (Ruhr University Bochum)
Stefan Schweiger (Ruhr University Bochum)

Duration of the event: 10 am to 4 pm.

Participation is free of charge, food and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. Places are limited; to register write an e-mail to stefan.schweiger@rub.de. The event will be held in German.

Location

Münster, Germany (Feuerstiege 16, 48163 Münster)

Organiser

Plastikbudget

Joint Project

PlastikBudget

Date

21 March 2020

Event type

Joint Project Event

Image Gallery

Tags

Microplastics

Date sort

Sat, 03/21/2020 - 12:00

Hide on overview

Aus

Plastik im Sport

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 14:00:31 +0000

Plastics in sports janna.vakili@e… Tue, 02/11/2020 - 15:00

Untertitel

Artificial grass and plastic cups

Titelbild

Beschreibung

The team of the joint research project "Plastikbudget" invites you to this exchange with experts on plastics in sport. The aim of the event is to develop citizens' recommendations for politicians on the use of plastics in the environment.

You will have the opportunity to deal with important questions concerning plastics in sports and to propose possible solutions: Are clubs obliged to reduce plastic waste or is it the fans? What is the responsibility of the athletes or the respective local authorities?

Invited experts are:

Jürgen Bertling (Fraunhofer Institute)
Steven Engler (Ruhr University Bochum)
Stefan Schweiger (Ruhr University Bochum)

Duration of the event: 10 am to 2 pm

Participation is free of charge, food and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. Places are limited; to register write an e-mail to stefan.schweiger@rub.de. The event will be held in German.

Location

Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Organiser

Plastikbudget

Joint Project

PlastikBudget

Date

14 March 2020

Event type

Joint Project Event

Image Gallery

Tags

Date sort

Sat, 03/14/2020 - 12:00

Hide on overview

Aus

Ökologischer Kunststoffeinsatz

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 13:45:48 +0000

Ecological use of plastics janna.vakili@e… Tue, 02/11/2020 - 14:45

Untertitel

Can it exist?

Titelbild

Beschreibung

This event of the joint research project "Plastikbudget" gives you the opportunity to collaborate with experts and develop citizen recommendations for politicians. Get involved in an exchange on basic questions concerning the use of plastics:

How do you imagine a different way of dealing with plastics? Who should the legislation address? Producers? Consumers? And - can there even be an ecological use of plastics?

Invited experts are:

Michael Hillenbrand (Plastics Europe)
Jürgen Bertling (Fraunhofer Institute)
Stefan Schweiger (Ruhr University Bochum)

Duration of the event: 12 pm to 4 pm

Participation is free of charge, food and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. Places are limited; to register write an e-mail to stefan.schweiger@rub.de. The event will be held in German.

Location

Ruhr University Bochum (Wasserstraße 223, 44799 Bochum), Germany

Organiser

Plastikbudget