The process of drilling for plastics source materials, oil and gas, leads to methane leaking and flaring and is often combined with clearing forests and wetlands that otherwise would have sequestered carbon.
Should Plastic Straws Be Banned? | Persuasive Writing | Scholastic It's free to sign up and bid on jobs.
12 Compelling Reasons For Banning Plastic Bags [2023 Update] - MindsetEco Plastic bags being the major component of the trash thrown away, most of it ends up on the streets. If the answer is yes, you should know that this inadvertent overconsumption of single-use plastic carries with it a very high cost to the environment, which in turn also negatively affects our health. The people of Macon, Georgia, saw through it. You as an individual have the power to make a gradual change in your community. As a result, the actual recycling rate for plastic bags globally is between 5 to 15 percent, while in the United States it makes only 1 percent a year [17]. It is estimated that there are now 150 million metric tons of plastic in the ocean. When animals ingest plastic, it clogs up their digestive systems, which can easily choke or kill animals like birds or sea turtles. This is because the customers voluntarily reduce their consumption of plastic bags, which in turn provides enough time for retailers to find suitable alternatives and switch to them. Plastic pollutionwhether in our oceans, piling up on our coastlines, or contributing to our climate crisisimpacts vulnerable communities first. (Its also important to remember that waste management is just one part of the global materials cycle. Why? Or you may need to accept that plastic bag this time and then start campaigning for a plastic bag ban in your area . According to the researchers, the turtle likely mistook the straw for food and swallowed it. It topped 60 million tons (54.4 million metric tons) in 2010 based on a September 2018 report titled "Plastic Pollution."But China announced it plans to outlaw the production and sale of . Her Stand-Up Paddleboard Is a Platform for Campaigning Against Plastic Pollution, A Growing Concern: Microplastic Pollution on Farm Fields. It is good for our environment, health and global climate. Other country that has decided to enforce the country-wide plastic bag ban after suffering of negative consequences was Mauritania. We use them to drink beverages at home and we get them at almost every restaurant. Some tributaries of the river have been filled with plastic waste to the level that you could almost walk across them without getting your feet wet. Getting rid of a single plastic straw may not have a very large effect on the environment. Plastic is putting a strain on waste management systems, our oceans, and vulnerable communities the world over. Plastic bag bansideally accompanied by a fee on paper bagsare also catching on. Its also important to look at the bigger picture regarding plastic bans. Yeah I end up going through like 5 paper straws because they keep disintegrating and I can't drink my drink anymore. What can I do for you? As for reusable straws, they arent flexible as plastic ones and can be easily forgotten at home. In many instances, it may seem too awkward for you to refuse the bag, so you accept it this one time, but you should know that it is fine to say no politely even at this stage if you dont want that bag. One recent survey found plastics in 94 percent of tap water samples in the U.S. and in nearly every brand of bottled water. Plastic bags have become such a nuisance because we as consumers use them excessively even when not needed and authorities havent figured out effective ways of dealing with them as waste. Ill also go over whether or not plastic straw bans will actually help the environment, and explain everything else youll need to know. update email soon. They're bad for the environment, kill marine life and damage human health. 1. Paper vs. Dont re-wash something if you can wear it again. CRIDDLE:Cost is a huge issue. Making just one simple swap, like purchasing a reusable water bottle, can spare the environment hundreds of plastic bottles each year. 1. This means that you need to first educate yourself about the problem. Single-use plastics are a glaring example of the problems with throwaway culture. They are tinier than a palm of your hand and appear so fragile when struggling across the beach to make it to the sea.
TOP 10 10 reasons why plastic straws should be banned BEST and NEWEST New York State and Hawaii just passed theirs, set to go into effect in 2020, and Californias bag ban, which was passed in 2014, has been shown to have reduced plastic bag usage by 85 percent (with some customers opting to pay a 10 cent fee for thicker plastic bags) and has reduced coastal pollution. A 2017 Environmental Sciences and Technology study reported that up to 95 percent of plastic waste enters oceans from one of 10 riverseight in Asia and two in Africa. We dont know how it will in the long term affect plankton-feeding species and their predators. Overall, the goal of a plastic straw ban should be to increase public awareness for single-use plastics and their nasty effects on the environment. Summary: Reduce your use of single-use plastics. Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links on this site may be referral or affiliate links. Plastic items are more sanitary than other alternatives.
Plastic straws shouldn't be banned - The Rubicon Plastic waste, mostly broken down into tiny particles, floats in huge blobs amid ocean current patterns called gyres that together cover as much as 40 percent of Earth's ocean surface. The very best alternative is a reusable bag. Thanks for signing up. 2.
While these countries and municipalities have been making strides in their part of reducing circulation of plastic bags, in total there are 195 countries in the world [19] and the issue of plastic pollution is still getting out of our hands. A recent report showed that plastic production contributes to planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions at every point in its life cycle. Refineries where crude oil is turned into plastic make up one of the most greenhouse gasintensive industries in the manufacturing sector. ), then its clean!
10 Reasons You Should Give Up Plastic Straws - sustainablemotown Once in the ocean, plastic pollution is extremely dangerous to marine life, and plastic straws are no exception. Your email address will not be published. The trend has already started. As plastic bags tend to get caught in recycling machinery, most recycling facilities do not have the capacity to recycle plastic bags and therefore do not accept them. You could either discuss with a store manager a possibility of bringing your own containers for these products. If youd like to learn more about how plastic straws negatively impact the environment, you can check out this article I wrote about the environmental impact of plastic straws. 5 Metals in your Home that can be Recycled for Cash, How exactly bidets offer a healthier, green option for your bathroom, A Closer Look at General Motors (GM) Sustainability Initiatives. We are a couple of environmentalists who seek inspiration for life in simple values based on our love for nature. 1. plastic straws litter our environment Every day, about 3-6 billion plastic straws are produced. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 15. However, we are all too familiar with situations when a cashier automatically puts your items in a plastic bag before you can oppose it. Heres everything you need to know before plastic carryout bags disappear from the Empire State on March 1. To align with global efforts, India banned single-use plastic items from July 1, 2022. Such is the case with many environmental crises: the worst effects are pushed onto overburdened communities with the fewest resources to fight back. Prior the ban, 70 percent of livestock losses were attributed to plastic bag ingestion. This is the case particularly in Southeast Asia, which has begun to import much of the plastic that used to go to China for recycling. Not only does banning single-use plastic reduce pollution, but it also reduces demand for plastic production thats contributing to global climate change.
Reasons why smoking should be banned articles jobs Why Should Plastic Straws Be Banned? - Nationwide Plastics Plastics also permeate freshwater systems like rivers and streams. McDonald's recently announced .
10 reasons why plastic straws should be banned Beyond the costs associated with the production and purchasing of plastic bags by retailers, there are many external costs that are often not considered. Will others? In 2015 a mere 24 of these ethane cracker facilities in the United States had the combined carbon output of 3.8 million passenger vehicles. If environmental zealots and sycophants get their way, you won't be allowed to sip it through a plastic straw. Heres everything you need to know about the most ubiquitous (and avoidable) kind of plastic waste: the kind made to be tossed in mere minutes. Sadly, one of their newly acquired enemies is created by us who should protect them instead. Not only is plastic estimated to kill millions of marine animals and seabirds each year, but its also contaminating seafood that humans have relied on for millennia, particularly with microplastics in animals guts. They discovered that Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestl products were found most often. The majority of plastic bags are made of polyethylene, a substance that is derived from crude oil refining and natural gas processing. Once a person gets into the habit of bringing reusable bags when shopping, it is not much of an inconvenience at all. In Ireland, where this fee was instituted in 2002, plastic bag usage decreased by about 90 percent. If the environmental movement drew up a Most Unwanted list for 2018, the plastic drinking straw surely would land American beaver populations are booming in the western United States as conditions grow hotter and drier. In fact, it is estimated that up to 10 million plastic bags are used every minute around the world [1]. In countries with a lack of awareness about negative impacts of plastic bags, a polite refusal might not be met with much understanding.
Why Are Plastic Straws Bad for the Environment & Should Be Banned The most heartbreaking part of this is that the affected animals are not aware they eat something that will make them feel miserable and will slowly kill them. Read more about us. In effect, nature has designed this plastic for disassembly. 2023 Get Green Now. Instead of searching for another buyer, maybe some soul-searching is in order. Animals living in the ocean might frequently confuse the plastic for food. Single-use plastics are most commonly used for packaging and serviceware, such as bottles, wrappers, straws, and bags. Other states such as Hawaii, cities such as Seattle and New York, and corporations such as Amazon and Starbucks are also considering or have initiated plastic phase-out plans. Overall, the main reason for a plastic straw ban is to help the environment by preventing plastic straws pollution.
10 Reasons Why Plastic Bags Should Be Banned | Greentumble When you sip beverages through a straw you end up inhaling more air into your belly than you would otherwise. Not only does the waste destroy the land itself, but when plastic is incinerated (as is the case for unrecyclable plastic at some illegal facilities) its toxic fumes quickly become a health hazard for residents, leading to everything from skin rashes to cancer. This type of plastic is derived from petroleum. 12 Reasons for Banning Plastic Bags: Plastic Bags Are Made With Non-Renewable Energy Plastic Bags Use Up Lots Of Energy Plastic Bags End Up In The Ocean Beach Plastic Litter Is On The Rise Plastic Bags Kill Millions Of Animals Every Year Plastic Takes A Long Time To Disintegrate Plastic Is Harming The Ocean's Coral Plastic Bags Contain Toxins By being aware about these issues, you will be ready to present some strong arguments why plastic bags should be banned in your area and answer questions of people who will become your ally if you will persuade them about your good intentions. There is only one requirement these plastic bags need to be dry and clean, otherwise they contaminate the entire batch and your effort will do more harm than good. Alternatives to plastic straws, such as paper, may not always be effective for disabled people: paper can be bitten through or broken easily. [PDF] Skip The Straw - 10 Reasons Fact Sheet - Kids.
Don't Ban Straws - Reason.com Ask if they have nonplastic alternatives to plastic straws, stirrers, or bags. But single-use plastics come with a steep environmental priceone that well be paying off for millennia. Rating: 5 (913 reviews) Highest rating: 5. As communities act to ban single-use plastics and individual consumers raise concerns, bigger actors pay attention. You should examine what alternatives are available and whether local retailers, who often operate with a limited monthly budget, have the ability to make the switch. Post date: 18 yesterday.
TIME for Kids | Should Plastic Straws Be Banned? Straws make up roughly 4 percent of the plastic waste in terms of the number of pieces, but a far smaller percentage in terms of the weight.Due to the fact that the typical weight of a straw is just around one sixty-seventh of an ounce, or 42 grams, the total weight of all those billions of straws combined only accounts for roughly 2,000 tons of the almost 9 million tons of plastic debris that enters the sea each year. A last example of a true horror caused by plastic has been discovered just recently. Theyre in about a quarter of the seafood in our markets, and even in table salt. Shuddering and unable to breathe, he vomited up five plastic bags. Each day, the United States of America uses 500 million drinking straws. What do the bans accomplish? These microscopic plastic fragments, no more than 5 millimeters long, are hard to detectand are just about everywhere. Plastic utensils are convenient and straws are fun for kids, but much of that plastic eventually winds up in a landfill or as litter. What about you? Do you also have that overflowing kitchen drawer full of plastic bags you bring from your shopping trips? Then, they have a propensity to break down into microplastics, which then clutter the ecosystems in question. NDLA National Disability Leadership Alliance: Nothing About Us Without Us. That is why the United Nations Environmental Programme Secretariat has recommended a ban on all plastic bags globally. They are also not biodegradable and cannot be broken down naturally by bacteria and other decomposers into non-toxic materials. The reason to worry is that scientists do not know how our metabolism and immunity will react to the increased concentration of plastic particles in our system. Well, a possible alternative solution could be to encourage businesses to only give out plastic straws on request. Plastic straws (like most plastic) are non-biodegradable, meaning that it cant be naturally broken down by decomposers. The upshot of the Sydney study is that the California bag ban reduced plastic bag consumption by 71.5% - a huge decrease. Individual choicesand the collective shifts they bring aboutadd up quickly. However, in 2014, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) supported the first project to calculate the real cost of plastic, including adverse environmental impacts of its production, use and disposal. Plastic straws are everywhere we look. Large producers of single-use plastics can make a big environmental impact. Though plastica chain of synthetic polymers, essentiallywas invented in the mid-19th century, it wasnt until the 1970s that its popularity skyrocketed. You probably already saw the video, but if you didnt, you can watch it below (WARNING: Graphic Content): Supporters of plastic straw bans claim that the ban will help reduce our use of single-use plastics. Plastic pollution is one of the biggest problems facing our world today. LEAPE:There are two clear imperatives. Banning plastic straws is also increasingly popular. Alarmingly, scientists estimate that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by weight in 2050. Required fields are marked *. So that free plastic bag isnt so free after all. The problem with plastic straws is that they are one of the biggest causes of unnecessary plastic pollution. Logically, the key to starting a change in your community is education. Pack it alongside reusable cutlery (like wood, bamboo, or metal chopsticks) for sustainable eating on the go. This includes waste collection, regular cleanups to remove plastic bag litter along the roads or blown away from landfills and then even processing at landfill sites. Gas, bloating, and intestinal discomfort. 2. The small pilot whale, found in a Thai canal this past June, is another symptom of a crisis in the worlds oceans. 6461 garfield street hollywood, fl. Tushy Ace Review (After 3 Months): Is this Luxury Bidet Worth it? Starting in the 1960s, plastic straw manufacturing took off. Even when you dont see it, these indestructible particles are everywhere around us, including in the food chain. The following are ten lines on why plastic bags need to be prohibited: 1) The careless disposal of trash in plastic bags leads to an increase in litter.2) The use of plastic bags contributes to the depletion of our natural resources, including water, trees, and agricultural products.3) Because of the danger it causes to marine life, the total Do you wonder why? CRAIG CRIDDLE: In addition to recycling more and reusing materials more, we need new materials that can do the same jobs as current plastics, but are biodegradable, nontoxic and do not concentrate in food chains. In fact, plastic straws only make up around 0.03 percent of total plastic waste by mass. If it looks clean, smells clean (and sounds clean! In Germany alone, we use 40 billion plastic straws every year. In fact, the global backlash against plastic straws likely started after researchers off the coast of Costa Rica shared a viral video of a sea turtle with a plastic straw stuck up its nose.
10 reasons why plastic straws should be banned - tmtnevins.com This is due to the fact that the plastic tubes are far too lightweight to be recycled in an efficient manner. According to a 2017 study, more than half of non-fiber plastic, which excludes synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, comes from plastic packaging alone, much of which is for single-use items. Straws, Ives says, made the perfect target: too inconsequential to really be missed but so ubiquitous that their absence would be noticed. Growing public concern has inspired movements to ban single-use plastics, most notably straws. According to a study carried out in 2013, up to 35 percent of turtle deaths were caused by plastic ingestion and the probability that sea turtles will consume even more plastic increases every year [9]. (Everything You Need To Know). Already in 2001, researchers found that the mass of microscopic plastic fragments in the North Pacific Central Gyre was 6 times higher than of plankton. Though plastica chain of synthetic polymers, essentiallywas invented in. As a result, they are thrown away and frequently wind up in the ocean, where they pollute the water and eventually kill marine birds, animals, and fish.
They contribute to the contamination of our landfills and seas when they are discarded after use. And they help shift consumer mind-sets, as people begin to recognize that exorbitant and avoidable waste is not sustainable. The risk is that banning straws may confer moral license allowing companies and their customers to feel they have done their part. The most common are inorganic dyes that are added to change the color of plastic bags. We can also decrease costs through improved bioprocessing methods, through metabolic engineering and by exploring and harnessing the incredible diversity of bioplastic-making systems that evolution has already created. Plastic waste, mostly broken down into tiny particles, floats in huge blobs amid ocean current patterns called gyres that together cover as much as 40 percent of Earths ocean surface. Plastic straws only account for roughly one percent of the total amount of waste plastic found in the ocean.
Why are Plastic Straws Bad and What are the Alernatives? 2. Activists Say Straws Should Be Banned Because They Are a 'Gateway Plastic' Advocates hope a straw ban will be the first step toward broader plastic prohibitions. A calf had to be put down because of indigestion caused by 8 plastic bags in its stomach.
What Are Single-use Plastics and Should They Be Banned? Come with external costs 9. Therefore, a plastic straw ban by itself is unlikely to be very effective in actually helping the environment, although it could act as a gateway into the reduction of other single-use plastics. This could negatively reflect on their income. These examples could go on for a long time. In fact, I just listed many reasons and points in this article that support both sides of the argument.
10 Reasons Why Plastic Straws Should Be Banned - manufacturer, factory So, plastic bag recycling facilities are few and far between and transportation to one could be expensive. The subtropical gyres of the North Pacific Ocean are also documented to contain the highest concentrations of plastic. Instead of investing in quality goods that will last, we often prioritize convenience over durability and consideration of long-term impacts. Problematic degradation 4. Some Disabled People Require Plastic Straws to Drink For some people with disabilities, straws are the only way they. Reduce Aesthetic value of your neighborhood. Starbucks recently announced that it would phase out use of plastic straws by the year 2020. Similar fate has met dolphins, seals, cats, dogs, deer and many other animals which got severely cut on their bodies due to plastic bag entanglement. Our waterway plastic pollution is particularly concentrated: Just ten rivers carry 93 percent of the worlds total amount of plastic that enters the oceans via rivers each year. Increased awareness about the negative effects of single-use plastics would help the environment a lot more than just a simple plastic straw ban. They are also capable of being ingested by fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, which in turn causes the animals injury and, in the case of fish, allows them to enter the human food chain. Those global companies can be important levers in driving change and shifting to a regenerative, circular economy.