WORLD – – 

Several environmental advocacy organizations are now recommending that people eat plastic products, such as bags and straws, to keep them out of the ocean and landfills. The proposal, which began circulating this week in opinion columns, think-tank papers, and one extremely confident infographic, argues that plastic pollution persists because humans have failed to take personal responsibility for the plastic they use. The solution, advocates say, is simple: consume it. 

“Every plastic bag you eat is one less bag in the ocean,” explained one environmental policy brief. “This shifts the burden from wildlife to people, which is where it belongs.” 

Supporters insist the recommendation is not as extreme as it sounds. Humans already ingest microplastics daily through water, food, and air. Eating an entire plastic bag, they argue, is merely “scaling up an existing behavior” and embracing efficiency. “We’re not introducing anything new,” said climate activist Varshini Praskash. “We’re just being honest about it.” 

The movement has already inspired lifestyle guidance. Thin grocery bags are recommended for beginners, while thicker retail bags are reserved for “advanced environmentalists.” Compostable bags, meanwhile, are discouraged, not because they are harmful, but because they undermine the sacrifice. 

Some proponents frame the idea as a moral exercise rather than a healthy one. “For decades, consumers have externalized the cost of convenience,” wrote Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg. “If a plastic bag feels uncomfortable as you cram it into your mouth and tear it into tiny pieces to fit inside your esophagus and deliberately swallow in an attempt to get each piece down, as it leaves a faint petroleum aftertaste as it goes into your stomach, imagine how a turtle feels.” 

Predictably, public health officials have raised objections, noting that plastic is not digestible and may cause serious harm. Environmental groups responded by accusing critics of “putting human comfort ahead of planetary survival,” adding that “no meaningful change has ever been comfortable.”

Corporations have begun adapting to the discourse. Several retailers announced they are “exploring edible-adjacent packaging experiences,” while others clarified that they are “listening and learning” and will continue selling plastic bags as usual. Public reaction has been mixed. Some praise the proposal, calling it an innovative solution. Others have asked whether air-frying counts as recycling and if dipping sauce is environmentally neutral. 

Despite the controversy, environmental leaders say the recommendation has already succeeded in one crucial way: it has gotten people talking about plastic waste again.