As plastic bags are not disposed properly . Buy in bulk. Please share this message with your friends so that together, we can tackle our global plastic problem. 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. Ultimately, we can further decrease costs and achieve economies of scale through decentralized production systems and perhaps also at large biorefineries. Better alternatives are available 10. 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. Shuddering and unable to breathe, he vomited up five plastic bags. What Is Plastic Made Of And How Is It Manufactured? Plastic Straws: Is Paper Really Better for the Environment?Continue. When the monsoon rains start, streets get waterlogged just after the first few minutes because the water cannot pass through clogged sewerage pipes. Plastic straws shouldn't be banned - The Rubicon Have some dirty clothes that you just wore today? Why Plastic Straws Are Being Banned - Square 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. Plastic Straws: Is Paper Really Better for the Environment? A straw with our iced coffee, a plastic bag to carry our takeout, a wrapper on a candy bar: taken individually, each seems harmless. 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. Sadly, one of their newly acquired enemies is created by us who should protect them instead. Even if plastic doesnt end up in the ocean, recycled plastic is often exported from high-income countries to developing countries to process. India, for example, generates 25,940 tons of plastic waste every day but collects only 60 percent of it. According to some estimates, the cost of plastic bag cleanup is about 17 cents per bag [14] and the cost is paid by us once again. Carrying reusable bags and bottles is one great way to avoid single-use plastics in our day-to-day lives; more on preventing plastic waste can be found below. Our addiction to plastic also has negative impacts on the climate. 2015-2023 Greentumble. If you are constantly feeling gassy, then you should definitely consider drinking beverages the old fashioned way. Disney is eliminating single-use plastic straws and stirrers at all its theme parks, resorts and properties. 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. But single-use plastics come with a steep environmental priceone that well be paying off for millennia. Even if you can't go zero waste entirely, it's high time we all ended our reliance on single use plastics. Because they are so lightweight, plastic bags get easily picked up by wind and travel long distances by wind and water to pollute the nature. You can share this article on social media by using the share buttons below. Criddle and Leape are also senior fellows at theStanford Woods Institute for the Environment. America Needs a Plastics Intervention. and reefs composed of coral, F) I Plastic straws are one of the top five most often used items. Simply, refuse them when offered and bring your own reusable bag when shopping. What never leaves, Read More Sustainable Diving & Snorkeling: How to Prevent Damage to Marine EcosystemsContinue, Top 3 Ways Kids can Help the Earth! Plastic bags are everywhere. Forty years after the launch of the first universal recycling symbol, only 14 percent of plastic packaging is recycled. The truth is that we do not know yet the full scale of negative impacts plastic waste can have on marine and terrestrial environments because it hasnt been around long enough to allow us to assess possible scenarios of its influence on natural cycles. It was first invented in 1907 by Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland. Car Modifications for Electric Vehicles: Whats Possible. Post date: 18 yesterday. In the United States alone, statistics reach up to 12 million barrels of oil that are used each year to produce even more plastic bags 100 billion more, to give you the precise number [5]. 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. Petroleum-based plastic bags are composed of very resistant synthetic polymers that may take up to 1,000 years or never until they completely degrade in natural environments [6]. 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. They are a part of our modern lives, and we dont tend to think much about them. Increased awareness about the negative effects of single-use plastics would help the environment a lot more than just a simple plastic straw ban. This means that you need to first educate yourself about the problem. Help us break the cycle of causing unnecessary harm and damage in the name of "convenience". This includes grocery plastic bags, Ziplock-type bags, dry cleaning bags and bread bags. 2. Communities with good awareness about negative impacts of plastic bags have been more successful at enforcing the ban [20]. Plastic bag litter has even caused great problems in some areas. For most, straws are not a necessity, but a convenience. A study analyzes water transactions that leave water in the river, and shows how they could be scaled up to avert cuts for major water users while supporting imperiled ecosystems. Over time, sun and heat slowly turn plastics into smaller and smaller pieces until they eventually become what are known as microplastics. PDF Skip the Straw - Florida Department of Environmental Protection For example, millions of discarded plastic bags clog water drainage channels and sewers in urban areas of Bangladesh. More and more states are looking to pass a new kind of recycling law that asks manufacturers to foot the bill for the waste created by their products. Since the 1950s, 8.3 billion metric tons of plastics have been produced, and half of that in the past 15 years alone. On other issues, from overfishing to deforestation, we have seen that consumer-facing companies like McDonalds, Unilever and Walmart can be exquisitely sensitive to the concerns of their customers. As a result, the ban will reduce the number of plastic straws polluting the ocean. Don't Ban Straws - Reason.com We need to make fully biodegradable polymers that are cost-competitive. Reusable shopping bags are very durable and can be reused many times over the course of their useful life. These dyes on their own can leach toxins, but they can also be contaminated with traces of heavy metals such as lead or cadmium, both of which affect kidney health and proper functioning of other organs. NRDCs Eric Goldstein gives the scoop on the latest environmental villain and explains why plastic straws really are a big menace to our oceans. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 10 Reasons Why Plastic Straws Should Be Banned? 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. Scientists are showing that we are sending tons of tiny plastic particles into our soils each year, potentially affecting crops and our health. 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. Instead of investing in quality goods that will last, we often prioritize convenience over durability and consideration of long-term impacts. They are also not biodegradable and cannot be broken down naturally by bacteria and other decomposers into non-toxic materials. CRIDDLE:We need to think about what incentives will promote a culture of recycling and innovation with respect to waste streams. 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. The phthalate DEHP, as just one example from dozens, is often added to plastic goods like shower curtains and garden hoses to make them more flexiblebut was also found to be a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The inaccuracy of this number calls into doubt the veracity of the overall case against using plastic straws as a drinking implement. Plastic straws are not the first iteration of straws. Not only does banning single-use plastic reduce pollution, but it also reduces demand for plastic production thats contributing to global climate change. Plastic is more sanitary and safer to use than other alternatives. According to the United States National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration, microplastics are so small that they move straight through water filtration, Read More What Are Microplastics and Why Are They a Concern? The country instituted the ban in 2013 to minimize livestock deaths. On their long journey, they will encounter many difficulties and only a small portion of them will survive. 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. About; Disability Vote Blog; Organizer's Forum; Issues; News; NDLA Webinars Polypropylene is a form of plastic that is frequently used in the production of straws. If the environmental movement drew up a Most Unwanted list for 2018, the plastic drinking straw surely would land Microplastics are plastic debris that measures less than five millimetres, or 0.2 inches, in diameter. The answer isnt as simple as you may think: While its true that paper straws arent as harmful as plastic straws, this doesnt mean that, Read More Paper vs. Most retailers will get your point, but it can also happen that they will not be willing to sell you some products without placing it in their plastic bags because of having to oblige with some hygiene and sanitary standards (for example when selling meat products). You are free to have your own personal opinion on whether or not we should ban plastic straws. Globally, 8 to 10 percent of our current oil supply goes to a plastic bag manufacture [4]. But, are paper straws really better for the environment? Come with external costs 9. We add another 8 million tons each year thats about five grocery bags full of plastic waste on every foot of shoreline around the world, according to a recent study. So, plastic bag recycling facilities are few and far between and transportation to one could be expensive. Its also important to look at the bigger picture regarding plastic bans. It is estimated that there are now 150 million metric tons of plastic in the ocean. Even when you dont see it, these indestructible particles are everywhere around us, including in the food chain. Juan Cristobal Cobo/Bloomberg via Getty Images. Instead it ends up in landfills or in the environment. Speak out in support of local plastic bans, whether by calling your local government representative, submitting an op-ed to your citys newspaper, or simply starting conversations with neighbors. How exactly does the use of plastic do harm to the environment?Plastic has a very long half-life in the environment, during which it poses a danger to animals and spreads toxic chemicals.Additionally, plastic is a contributor to the warming of the planet.Nearly every type of plastic is manufactured using chemicals that are leftover from the manufacturing of fossil fuels, which contribute to global warming (gas, oil and even coal). This could negatively reflect on their income. [PDF] Skip The Straw - 10 Reasons Fact Sheet - Kids. You could either discuss with a store manager a possibility of bringing your own containers for these products. In fact, it is estimated that up to 10 million plastic bags are used every minute around the world [1]. The resulting number is staggering. How To Make A Bracelet Out Of Plastic String? Quick Navigation for Reasons Why Plastic Shopping Bags Should Be Banned REASONS 1. Our plastic addiction is having a devastating impact on our oceans, our wildlife, and our health. The trend has already started. Such is the case with many environmental crises: the worst effects are pushed onto overburdened communities with the fewest resources to fight back. In New York, 23 billion plastic bags are used by residents each year. (Its also important to remember that waste management is just one part of the global materials cycle. The small pilot whale, found in a Thai canal this past June, is another symptom of a crisis in the worlds oceans. For wildlife, microplastics can be particularly dangerous; when eaten they can easily accumulate inside an animals body and cause health issues, like punctured organs or fatal intestinal blockages. Your email address will not be published. 10 reasons why plastic straws should be banned - david-el.co.il 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. The explanation is quite simple. These steps are pretty straight forward and depend on your own initiative. Here's a quick list of the ways plastic straws may be harming your health: 1. Leape has long been a leader in ocean conservation efforts. But beyond these impacts, the bans have cultural effects. Now, lets get into the negatives of a plastic straw ban: While banning plastic straws might help the environment in some aspects (well talk about this later), there are also many reasons against (or cons) of a plastic straw ban. 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. ), then its clean! Once the wheel starts spinning, it leads to even more positive changes. Reasons why smoking should be banned articles jobs One recent survey found plastics in 94 percent of tap water samples in the U.S. and in nearly every brand of bottled water. Animals can also easily become entangled in this plastic waste. Considering what important source of food plankton is for many other species, it is clear that plastic gets distributed across the marine ecosystem. If you are a kid reading this, and you want to get green and help the Earth, you are at the right place. The bottom line of any plastic ban is that we must use less single-use plastics overall. LEAPE:Plastic straws are only a tiny fraction of the problem less than 1 percent. Have a look yourself to imagine the suffering of these animals. We should just stick to plastic. 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. For the oceans sake, wed better hope so. Which brings us to the second part. InCalifornia, a bill to ban straws unless requested at dine-in restaurants is awaiting a signature from the governor. CRIDDLE:Cost is a huge issue. Plastic bags are a convenient way to carry our purchased goods when we go shopping. They discovered that Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestl products were found most often. Five Reasons Banning Plastics May Harm the Environment and Consumers Once in the ocean, plastic pollution is extremely dangerous to marine life, and plastic straws are no exception. 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. The most common are inorganic dyes that are added to change the color of plastic bags. The first answer to this question that comes to everyones mind is to stop using plastic bags, right? 2. 13.07.2022 Harry Brown THE TOP 10 REASONS TO DO NOT USE THE STRAW O This requires the usage of 500 million straws Straws and other items made of plastic are harmful Every day in the United States. A Ban Could Harm Local Businesses If Beached whales have been found with stomachs full of plastic trash. An additional problem with plastic grocery bags recycling is their cleanliness. Then, the straw got stuck in the turtles nose after she/he tried to cough the straw back out. All you need to do is paste your ZIP code and then see the list of stores with bag drop-off in your nearest location. Additionally, awareness raising campaigns create a social pressure that should inspire local government and institutions to help in making changes at a bigger scale, like a regional ban or levy. TIME for Kids | Should Plastic Straws Be Banned? They're bad for the environment, kill marine life and damage human health. (Everything You Need To Know). Straws don't provide as much utility as bags, so for many this is an easy adjustment. In Ireland, where this fee was instituted in 2002, plastic bag usage decreased by about 90 percent. A brief history of how plastic straws took over the world - Environment As part of the Break Free From Plastic movement, Greenpeace volunteers conducted an audit of plastic pollution along coastlines, sifting through tens of thousands of individual pieces across 42 countries to identify the pollutions sources. There are many uses for plastic that are not only reasonable but important, such as surgical gloves, or straws for people with disabilities. Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links on this site may be referral or affiliate links. Thus, plastic straws cant be recycled. But this comes along with many unanswered questions. It's free to sign up and bid on jobs. In fact, plastic bags are considered by many recycling facilities the number one contaminant and their removal from the recycling stream costs municipalities close to $1 million a year [18]. Single-Use Plastics 101 | NRDC Banning straws may confer 'moral license' allowing companies and their customers to feel they have done their part. Ms. LISA PAI . Instead, you are actually reusing a product, and that means that you are utilizing earths resources smartly, while at the same time reducing waste. 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. In fact, I just listed many reasons and points in this article that support both sides of the argument. They are tinier than a palm of your hand and appear so fragile when struggling across the beach to make it to the sea. About half the cost of making biodegradable polymers is the cost of feedstock. The ban also kept them from littering neighborhoods and the environment. But only a few of us realize that each time we accept those disposable plastic grocery bags at store checkout, we actively participate in wasting energy and depleting non-renewable resources. Plastic pollution is one of the biggest problems facing our world today. According to a study that was published by Bloomberg News, it is predicted that the percentage of contaminated ocean water that is caused by plastic straws and stirrers is a shockingly modest 0.03 percent. Criddle isdirector of StanfordsCodiga Resource Recovery Center,a member ofStanford Bio-Xand an affiliate of thePrecourt Institute for Energy. Low rated: 2. Let companies that make your favorite products know that you care about the packaging. 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. The production of these bags is very energy intensive. 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. Summary: Reduce your use of single-use plastics. Plastic bags being the major component of the trash thrown away, most of it ends up on the streets. You need to know what effects plastic bags have on the environment and health. This is due to the fact that the plastic tubes are far too lightweight to be recycled in an efficient manner. Many of you may have heard it already. High costs for cleanup 8. New research shows their prolific dam building benefits river water quality so much, it outweighs the damaging influence of climate-driven droughts. 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. But a whopping 91 percent of all plastic isnt recycled at all. They also arent accepted by recycling facilities because they can jam recycling machinery (due to their small size). Single-use plastics are a glaring example of the problems with throwaway culture. Should Plastic Straws Be Banned? [Pros & Cons of a Straw Ban] When you sign up you'll become a member of NRDC's Activist Network. 10 reasons why plastic straws should be banned Oene Moedt-Foto Natura/Minden via National Geographic Images, Major Corporations and Single-Use Plastics, secluded Pyrenees mountain range and down to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, and research has suggested that human exposure, 4.8 million and 12.7 million metric tons of plastic, one of the most greenhouse gasintensive industries in the manufacturing sector, could reach 1.34 gigatons per year by 2030, an audit of plastic pollution along coastlines. As communities act to ban single-use plastics and individual consumers raise concerns, bigger actors pay attention. 1. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Cause of environmental pollution 2. Items made of plastic that come into contact with food can be recycled, whereas products made of paper that absorb both food and garbage cannot. Divers, for example, descend 130 feet under the water, seek unique-looking creatures, and observe the marine world in all its glory. On average, plastic bags cost retailers about 3-5 cents each. Gas, bloating, and intestinal discomfort. There were numerous cases of birds caught in plastic bags, unable to fly and feed, eventually strangling themselves to death. Companies are trying to sell communities on a toxic solution to the plastic pollution crisis. 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. Search for jobs related to Reasons why smoking should be banned articles or hire on the world's largest freelancing marketplace with 22m+ jobs.