Plastic utensils are convenient and straws are fun for kids, but much of that plastic eventually winds up in a landfill or as litter. Even if you can't go zero waste entirely, it's high time we all ended our reliance on single use plastics. Paper straws are horrible and should be taken out of circulation Talk to the owners of the restaurants you frequent. Even when you dont see it, these indestructible particles are everywhere around us, including in the food chain. Do you also have that overflowing kitchen drawer full of plastic bags you bring from your shopping trips? Logically, the key to starting a change in your community is education. 10 reasons why plastic straws should be banned. The crucial challenge is to ensure that these bans are just a first step. Reasons why smoking should be banned articlestrabajos Those global companies can be important levers in driving change and shifting to a regenerative, circular economy. update email soon. Straws made of plastic contribute to the pollution of our seas and streams. However, as an environmental enthusiast, heres what I think about this ban. Do plastic straws really make a difference? - Stanford Earth Another example of a locally issued ban is Seattle where not only single-use plastic bags have been banned but also single-use compostable and biodegradable bags. Our reliance on these plastics means we are accumulating waste at a staggering rate. Well, lets have a look at the most important reasons why single-use plastic bags should be banned right now. Even human footprints left in the sand represent mountain-like obstacles in their path and waves washing up on the beach are another challenge, as they thrust them back on the dry land to try once again before finally being picked up by a return current and start swimming for their life. This amount of marine life, which includes fish and turtles, is sufficient to fill 125 school buses. Simply, refuse them when offered and bring your own reusable bag when shopping. 1. As communities act to ban single-use plastics and individual consumers raise concerns, bigger actors pay attention. 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. This way, disabled people can continue to be served, while also reducing the number of plastic straws that we use. What does occur in most instances is that when out in the environment, the plastic breaks up into tiny microscopic pieces that get deposited in soils (where we grow food) or contaminate waterways. The subtropical gyres of the North Pacific Ocean are also documented to contain the highest concentrations of plastic. What is the root of the problem (consumers or municipal waste management)? It is good for our environment, health and global climate. 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. Why? 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]. They prevent millions of tons of plastic from entering the waste stream each year. 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 Look for another place that does accept or use alternative packaging, such as small local stores that use paper wraps or compostable bags. All Rights Reserved. Sadly, one of their newly acquired enemies is created by us who should protect them instead. Well, a possible alternative solution could be to encourage businesses to only give out plastic straws on request. 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. female pomeranian temperament; splinterlands terms and conditions; carbon emissions data by company; ( ) + . They're not alone. Additionally, plastics in our digestive tract may affect absorption of some important trace elements (like iron) which we need for maintaining proper health [13]. Driven by public pressure, governments and corporations are considering eliminating or phasing out single-use plastics such as straws. 1 producer of plastic waste in the world. Single use plastics wreak havoc on wildlife and the earth. The small pilot whale, found in a Thai canal this past June, is another symptom of a crisis in the worlds oceans. Communities and consumers can play vital roles in sparking action. Thoughtful laws are needed to control the problem and at the same time encourage innovation. 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. This type of plastic is derived from petroleum. Many of the chemicals in plastics are known endocrine disruptors,and research has suggested that human exposure could cause health impacts including hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems like infertility, and even cancer. 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. The Pasig River is the eight worst source of ocean plastic pollution in the world. Should Plastic Straws Be Banned? [Pros & Cons of a Straw Ban] Actress Nina Nelson and other celebrities made a video claiming that plastic. LEAPE:There are two clear imperatives. Plastics also permeate freshwater systems like rivers and streams. 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. 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. Please share this message with your friends so that together, we can tackle our global plastic problem. Here are 3 reasons why plastic straws should not be banned, explained in a simple and easy-to-understand manner: 1. "To us, it was the 'gateway plastic' to the larger, more . Alternatives to plastic straws, such as paper, may not always be effective for disabled people: paper can be bitten through or broken easily. The Pasig River in the Philippines is another scary example of the negative effects of plastic bags on the environment. 10 Reasons Why Plastic Bags Should Be Banned | IUCN Water Straws made of paper are neither recyclable nor capable of decomposition. Greentumble is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Help us break the cycle of causing unnecessary harm and damage in the name of "convenience". If you are constantly feeling gassy, then you should definitely consider drinking beverages the old fashioned way. At the beginning of July 2018, Seattle became the largest U.S. city to ban plastic straws. But beyond these impacts, the bans have cultural effects. Then, you should try to explain your reasons for not wanting your products packed in plastic bags. It is predicted that each year 8 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean, with 1.152.41 tons of that plastic being carried there by major rivers all over the world. Criddle has evaluated use of microorganisms to biodegrade plastic materials and to synthesize biodegradable bioplastics from waste feedstocks. 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. 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. It was first invented in 1907 by Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland. Without further due, here are the top 3 ways kids can help, Read More 3 Ways Kids can Help the EarthContinue, What Are Microplastics? This could negatively reflect on their income. 10 Reasons Why Plastic Straws Should Be Banned? Tiny plastic particles have been found in human feces. This leaves few other alternatives other than plastic straws. 10 reasons why plastic straws should not be banned The second, more fundamental imperative is to get plastics out of our waste stream. And the recent fracking boom, resulting in a surplus of oil, is fueling a subsequent rise in cracker plants, too. But, are paper straws really better for the environment? You can use some easy online locators to see the closest plastic bag drop-off. It started with cardboard straws, but once plastic production in America increased, people realized it was quicker and cheaper to produce plastic straws. Made from fossil fuels 3. We've all become too hooked on the availability and comfort of the stuff. The risk is that banning straws may confer moral license allowing companies and their customers to feel they have done their part. It is possible to enhance ones risk of developing cavities by using a straw while consuming liquids that are either sweet or acidic. Look around and you will notice that plastic bags are the most common litter. Beyond the costs associated with the production and purchasing of plastic bags by retailers, there are many external costs that are often not considered. 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. Many of you may have heard it already. Single-use plastics are a glaring example of the problems with throwaway culture. What can I do for you? Such changes could have outsized benefits for vulnerable populations that rely on rivers for their water supply. These tiny plastic particles have been found in our oceans, soil, and even in the air. 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. These are known to be hormone-disrupting chemicals. Communities with good awareness about negative impacts of plastic bags have been more successful at enforcing the ban [20]. While an extra two cents may not seem like a lot, it could make a difference for some businesses that depend on plastic straws. Facebook; Contact Now . 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. Ill also go over whether or not plastic straw bans will actually help the environment, and explain everything else youll need to know. For instance, a lot of the plastic produced in Asian countries is for products that serve U.S. demandand the United States often sends plastic waste back to these countries for recycling.). Its possible that using a plastic straw would make it easier for you to drink without spilling, but the long-term expenses are not worth it. How? You'll receive your first NRDC action alert and You need to know what effects plastic bags have on the environment and health. For many in the disabled community, the availability of plastic straws is essential for their well-being and survival. Well, before putting it into the laundry basket, take a look at it closely. Criddle and Leape are also senior fellows at theStanford Woods Institute for the Environment. Plastic Straws: Is Paper Really Better for the Environment?Continue. Buy a metal or bamboo reusable straw. 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. As for reusable straws, they arent flexible as plastic ones and can be easily forgotten at home. 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]. They're bad for the environment, kill marine life and damage human health. 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. About; Disability Vote Blog; Organizer's Forum; Issues; News; NDLA Webinars Exposure to microplastics, as well as the chemicals that are added to plastics during processing, harm our health. 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. The bottom line of any plastic ban is that we must use less single-use plastics overall. Ask if they have nonplastic alternatives to plastic straws, stirrers, or bags. These microscopic plastic fragments, no more than 5 millimeters long, are hard to detectand are just about everywhere. Banning straws may confer 'moral license' allowing companies and their customers to feel they have done their part. Here are 3 reasons why plastic straws should not be banned, explained in a simple and easy-to-understand manner: For some people with disabilities, straws are the only way they can drink. Reasons why smoking should be banned articles jobs Sea turtles are not the only species suffering from plastic bag pollution of the environment. Many people with disabilities rely on flexible straws to drink safely and independently. Divers, for example, descend 130 feet under the water, seek unique-looking creatures, and observe the marine world in all its glory. Oil and natural gas are non-renewable fossil fuel-based resources and through their extraction and production, they emit greenhouse gases, which contribute to global climate change. Large producers of single-use plastics can make a big environmental impact. the eight worst source of ocean plastic pollution, Impact of Plastic Bags on the Environment, non-renewable fossil fuel-based resources, Plastic Bag Degradation: What You Should Know, Serious Effects of Plastic Pollution on Human Health. The first answer to this question that comes to everyones mind is to stop using plastic bags, right? Another indirect danger of plastic bags has breeding ground in the pollution they create. JIM LEAPE: Our oceans are currently swimming with plastics. New and sustainable business models are needed to address the current plastic deluge and also to enable a new generation of sustainable materials and technologies.