Risky plastic and the limits to consumer responsibilization
2023, Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society
Consumer responsibilization
plastic governance
neoliberal
responsibility
blame
risk
Abstract
This paper highlights the limitations of the use of risk in plastic governance. First, plastic risk categorizations adapt, evolve, and shift, which creates ambiguities and insecurities for consumers about the responsible choices to be made. Second, the risk frame requires consumer agency to mitigate risk, a privilege many cannot afford. Third, the use of risk in plastic governance cedes power to dominant market actors who possess the capacity to blame others and use guilt appeal to alleviate their responsibility. The concluding remarks point to the importance of changing our minds about plastics. The argument is to stop thinking that plastics are flexible and malleable.