10 reasons why plastic straws should be banned

But you should also consider the other perspective what effect single-use bags have had on the local economy and product affordability. Plastic bags. American beaver populations are booming in the western United States as conditions grow hotter and drier. Some countries have decided to do so after directly experiencing negative impacts of plastic bags, other countries have implemented the ban to reach their sustainability goals. 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. The bottom line of any plastic ban is that we must use less single-use plastics overall. The first answer to this question that comes to everyones mind is to stop using plastic bags, right? America Needs a Plastics Intervention. However, one thing we know, is that by introducing a pollutant that may never break down in the environment can have implications that will far exceed any of our predictions. And, if you dont like wearing the same shirt or pants, Read More Dont wash it if it doesnt look dirtyContinue, At age 50, Kay is a little over halfway through her life as a driver. InCalifornia, a bill to ban straws unless requested at dine-in restaurants is awaiting a signature from the governor. A laboratory photograph of microplastics found in the Corsica River in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, Maryland, An albatross found dead with a belly full of plastic on Midway Atoll. The risk is that banning straws may confer moral license allowing companies and their customers to feel they have done their part. They also arent accepted by recycling facilities because they can jam recycling machinery (due to their small size). Recycling more plastic, more frequently, reduces its footprint. Scientists are showing that we are sending tons of tiny plastic particles into our soils each year, potentially affecting crops and our health. Ban of Plastic Can be Problematic. 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. Such materials already exist in nature. Most of it is either dumped in landfills or ends up in the ocean. About; Disability Vote Blog; Organizer's Forum; Issues; News; NDLA Webinars Plastics bags are not so much necessary that man cannot live without it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Natural Resources Defense Council 2023 Privacy Policy This includes grocery plastic bags, Ziplock-type bags, dry cleaning bags and bread bags. Quick Navigation for Reasons Why Plastic Shopping Bags Should Be Banned, [1] https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/25496/singleUsePlastic_sustainability.pdf, [2] https://www.eco-business.com/opinion/getting-rid-of-plastic-bags-a-windfall-for-supermarkets-but-it-wont-do-much-for-the-environment/, [3] https://www.thethirdpole.net/en/2018/04/09/plastic-chokes-dhakas-drainage/, [4] https://1bagatatime.com/learn/plastic-bags-petroleum/, [5] https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=2935417&page=1, [6] https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/06/plastic-planet-waste-pollution-trash-crisis/, [7] https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/10/12/124006/pdf, [8] https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/blogs/rare-sea-turtles-eating-plastic-at-record-rate, [9] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/cobi.12126, [10] http://www.prijatelji-zivotinja.hr/index.en.php?id=934, [11] http://advocacy.britannica.com/blog/advocacy/2008/12/plastic-bags-and-animals-making-the-wild-safe-for-wildlife/, [12] http://science.sciencemag.org/content/359/6374/460, [13] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/oct/22/microplastics-found-in-human-stools-for-the-first-time, [14] https://1bagatatime.com/learn/plastic-bag-clean-costs/, [15] http://www.bagmonster.com/2010/04/the-true-cost-of-single-use-bags.html, [16] http://www.cep.unep.org/cep-documents/unep-press-release-on-the-effects-of-plastic-waste-on-marine-ecosystems.pdf, [17] https://greentumble.com/can-plastic-bags-be-recycled/, [18] https://1bagatatime.com/learn/plastic-bag-clean-costs/, [19] https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/how-many-countries-are-in-the-world.html, [20] https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/25496/singleUsePlastic_sustainability.pdf. 300 to 700 plastic bags pass through the hands of an average American in just one year [8] and a survey of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs concluded that the average household in the United Kingdom stores around 40 plastic shopping bags at home [2]. Plastics also permeate freshwater systems like rivers and streams. Spare Yourself the Guilt Trip This Earth DayIts Companies That Need to Clean Up Their Acts, These Fanciful Sea Creatures Were Carried in on the Tide. Straws are notorious for being readily blown away by the wind. A calf had to be put down because of indigestion caused by 8 plastic bags in its stomach. Talk to the owners of the restaurants you frequent. Also, giving a speech 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. But, getting rid of all single-use plastics definitely will. Once the wheel starts spinning, it leads to even more positive changes. All rights reserved. 15. 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]. Some opposers of the plastic straw ban say that a ban is unlikely to actually help the environment, as plastic straws do not make up a large percentage of plastic in the ocean. Straws are said to be one of the top 10 objects recovered during beach clean-ups by the Ocean Conservancy. Simply, refuse them when offered and bring your own reusable bag when shopping. that do collect plastic bags and other plastic films and send them for proper recycling. Although, really, these tips can be used by anyone, not just kids. If you are a kid reading this, and you want to get green and help the Earth, you are at the right place. (Everything You Need To Know)Continue, Many restaurants have banned plastic straws due to their harmful effects on the environment, and have switched to paper alternatives instead. Will others? Interestingly, these granules contain the seeds of their own destruction: enzymes that break the polymer down when it is needed for food. 2. Why Should Plastic Straws Be Banned? - Nationwide Plastics A last example of a true horror caused by plastic has been discovered just recently. How? Banning straws may confer 'moral license' allowing companies and their customers to feel they have done their part. 4. keep you informed with the latest alerts and progress reports. These examples could go on for a long time. Plastic fragments in the ocean such as those from plastic bags can absorb pollutants like PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and PAHs (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) easily. 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 . 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. Alarmingly, scientists estimate that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by weight in 2050. When the monsoon rains start, streets get waterlogged just after the first few minutes because the water cannot pass through clogged sewerage pipes. In fact, plastic straws only make up around 0.03 percent of total plastic waste by mass. Do you also have that overflowing kitchen drawer full of plastic bags you bring from your shopping trips? As communities act to ban single-use plastics and individual consumers raise concerns, bigger actors pay attention. They discovered that Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestl products were found most often. In addition, despite the fact that the FDA has deemed this to be safe for consumption, chemicals from the plastic may seep into liquids, releasing substances that have the potential to influence estrogen levels. Reasons Why Plastic Straws Should Be Banned? Many of you may have heard it already. Ask if they have nonplastic alternatives to plastic straws, stirrers, or bags. Should Plastic be Banned Essay for Students in English - VEDANTU Busca trabajos relacionados con Reasons why smoking should be banned articles o contrata en el mercado de freelancing ms grande del mundo con ms de 22m de trabajos. Our goal is to inspire people to change their attitudes and behaviors toward a more sustainable life. Do plastic straws really make a difference? - Stanford Earth According to estimates made by scientists, there are 7.5 million polluting straws around the shores of the United States, and anywhere from 437 million to 8.3 billion plastic straws throughout the coastlines of the rest of the globe. Communities and consumers can play vital roles in sparking action. However, as an environmental enthusiast, heres what I think about this ban. It is estimated that there are now 150 million metric tons of plastic in the ocean. . But, are paper straws really better for the environment? In fact, it is estimated that up to 10 million plastic bags are used every minute around the world [1]. And will a plastic straw ban actually be effective when it comes to saving our oceans and environment? And recent studies found plastic in the guts of 90 percent of the seabirds tested and 100 percent of the turtles. In the spirit of eliminating waste, plastic straws appeared to be a way to further the cause: straws aren't essential to the dining experience, and by banning them, oceans, streets, and general society would theoretically benefit. The upshot of the Sydney study is that the California bag ban reduced plastic bag consumption by 71.5% - a huge decrease. Plastic Straws: Is Paper Really Better for the Environment? Companies are forced to innovate, rethinking their designs and sourcing sustainable materials. 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. For many of us it is hard to imagine that something as small as a plastic bag can actually cause flooding, but residents of some cities in Bangladesh have been struggling with this problem every monsoon season for the past two decades [3]. If plastic straws are completely banned, local small businesses like boba tea shops will have to look for pricier alternatives. There are some great initiatives that strive to provide jobs for women in rural communities with limited possibilities of securing monthly income. Ill also go over whether or not plastic straw bans will actually help the environment, and explain everything else youll need to know. When you sign up you'll become a member of NRDC's Activist Network. 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. By simply using less plastic, you can help keep marine life from eating and getting entangled in garbage. So, plastic bag recycling facilities are few and far between and transportation to one could be expensive. These microscopic plastic fragments, no more than 5 millimeters long, are hard to detectand are just about everywhere. Plastic waste that clogs water drainage channels and river tributaries of many Asian cities increases exposure of residents to water-borne diseases, as it creates a toxic soup that remains stranded in one place for prolonged periods of time. We will Your email address will not be published. You need to know what effects plastic bags have on the environment and health. Unfortunately, such a high level of pollution doesnt come without consequences. Plastic straws, drink stirrers and cotton buds will no longer be sold in Britain as part of a plan to eradicate "avoidable plastic waste" by 2042, and Prime Minister Theresa May actively called on other leaders in the Commonwealth to implement similar policies. The production of these bags is very energy intensive. Plastic bags are often mistaken for food by animals, birds, and marine life. This means that you need to first educate yourself about the problem. In my opinion, plastic straws should not be banned outright, because many disabled people require plastic straws to drink. A complete ban on plastic straws would harm disabled people, which definitely isnt the goal of such a ban. But beyond these impacts, the bans have cultural effects. The people of Macon, Georgia, saw through it. For example, a reusable jute bag should last at least 4 years, during which it can prevent the use of 600 single-use plastic bags. Ms. LISA PAI . 1. Straws have been found stuck in a sea turtle's nose and wedged in the stomachs of dead birds and dolphins. Some Disabled People Require Plastic Straws to Drink For some people with disabilities, straws are the only way they can drink. Coca-Cola has said that it alone produces three million tons of plastic packaging each year, equivalent to a terrifying 200,000 plastic bottles per minute. 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. Better alternatives are available 10. Facebook; Contact Now . 8 good reasons to give up plastic straws - CareElite 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. Once a person gets into the habit of bringing reusable bags when shopping, it is not much of an inconvenience at all. What do the bans accomplish? Here are a few more tips for ridding your life (and your community) of single-use plastics for good. Using a straw directs a concentrated stream of liquid onto a localized area of the teeth, which can cause the enamel to wear away and lead to dental disease. These modern conveniences are so ubiquitousand so quickly thrown outthat they hardly register in our minds. On average, plastic bags cost retailers about 3-5 cents each. The most common are inorganic dyes that are added to change the color of plastic bags. 2. Why we shouldn't ban plastic straws Antithesis Journal Post date: 18 yesterday. Gas, bloating, and intestinal discomfort. Straws made of paper are neither recyclable nor capable of decomposition. Put simply, single-use plastics are goods that are made primarily from fossil fuelbased chemicals (petrochemicals) and are meant to be disposed of right after useoften, in mere minutes. Manufacturers began replacing traditionally paper or glass staples with lighter or more durable and affordable plastic alternatives; plastic jugs replaced milk jars, for instance. They're bad for the environment, kill marine life and damage human health. 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. In Taiwan, which was once overflowing with so much trash that it spurred public protest and the nickname Garbage Island, companies now either manage their own waste or subsidize government-run infrastructure. They prevent millions of tons of plastic from entering the waste stream each year. Some companies are taking initiative on their own. And when it comes to waste that lasts forever, every ton counts. The Pasig River is the eight worst source of ocean plastic pollution in the world. Activists Say Straws Should Be Banned Because They Are a 'Gateway Plastic' After all, ask your grandparents, they will remember that during their time people were used to go shopping with their own bags or baskets. The crucial challenge is to ensure that these bans are just a first step, offering a natural place to start with low-hanging fruit so long as its part of a much more fundamental shift away from single-use plastics across the value chains of these companies and our economy. NRDCs Eric Goldstein gives the scoop on the latest environmental villain and explains why plastic straws really are a big menace to our oceans. Without further due, here are the top 3 ways kids can help, Read More 3 Ways Kids can Help the EarthContinue, What Are Microplastics? Shuddering and unable to breathe, he vomited up five plastic bags. Single-use plastics are a glaring example of the problems with throwaway culture. Tushy Ace Review (After 3 Months): Is this Luxury Bidet Worth it? NRDC scientist Jennifer Sass says yes and debunks the skeptics claim that in trying to wean ourselves off plastic bags, were only creating more troubles. Only then would a plastic straw ban be able to actually help preserve the environment. While an extra two cents may not seem like a lot, it could make a difference for some businesses that depend on plastic straws. Buying a product through my link comes at no extra cost to you, and I only recommend products that I believe in. According to the researchers, the turtle likely mistook the straw for food and swallowed it. Starbucks plans to phase out plastic straws by 2020. 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. Lizzie Carr is shining a light on what is floating through the worlds waterways, and breaking athletic records along the way. Policies like bottle bill lawswhich generally require retailers to add a fee on individual bottles, which can then be partially redeemed by customers when they recycleare a way to increase corporate responsibility for waste while providing a monetary incentive to recycle. Microplastics are plastic debris that measures less than five millimetres, or 0.2 inches, in diameter. Plastic straws have an especially high propensity to end up in our rivers after being thrown away. Greenwashing Alert: Chemical Recycling Isnt Actually Recycling. Since their birth, baby turtles have only one goal to get to the sea and swim into deep waters where they will feed and if successful grow into adult turtles. The first country to ban single-use plastic bags was Bangladesh in 2002 when plastic bag litter clogged drainage channels and contributed to destructive floods. Reduce Aesthetic value of your neighborhood. To date, around 60 countries and municipalities around the world have instituted plastic bag bans, and additional seven countries are planning to enforce the law in the closest future. They're not alone. NDLA National Disability Leadership Alliance: Nothing About Us Without Us. There are definitely differing opinions on whether or not plastic straws should be banned. Theyre in about a quarter of the seafood in our markets, and even in table salt. Actress Nina Nelson and other celebrities made a video claiming that plastic. Reasons why smoking should be banned articlestrabajos

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