Burning plastic as home fuel in low‑income cities ^{CEFR A2}

A study published in Nature Communications found that people burn plastic as household fuel in cities across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Researchers talked to more than 1,000 participants in 26 countries to learn about this practice.

More than a third of respondents knew about plastic burning, and 16 per cent said they had burned plastic at home. Researchers link the practice to irregular waste collection and energy poverty, so plastic is a cheap option. Burning often happens inside homes or informal areas and produces smoke and harmful chemicals. Participants said better waste management, more clean energy and awareness are the main solutions, and experts warn against bans without alternatives.