10 reasons why plastic straws should be banned

As plastic bags are not disposed properly . We should do likewise. 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. Required fields are marked *. InCalifornia, a bill to ban straws unless requested at dine-in restaurants is awaiting a signature from the governor. A plastic straw ban could be a good step in the right direction, but we must use less single-use products overall to actually help the environment. Recycling more plastic, more frequently, reduces its footprint. Animals living in the ocean might frequently confuse the plastic for food. Beached whales have been found with stomachs full of plastic trash. Divers, for example, descend 130 feet under the water, seek unique-looking creatures, and observe the marine world in all its glory. 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. 2. When you sign up you'll become a member of NRDC's Activist Network. Straws made of paper are neither recyclable nor capable of decomposition. Her Stand-Up Paddleboard Is a Platform for Campaigning Against Plastic Pollution, A Growing Concern: Microplastic Pollution on Farm Fields. 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. edinburgh airport address. Ban of Plastic Can be Problematic. 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. Ultimately, we can further decrease costs and achieve economies of scale through decentralized production systems and perhaps also at large biorefineries. Our addiction to plastic also has negative impacts on the climate. They also arent accepted by recycling facilities because they can jam recycling machinery (due to their small size). There were numerous cases of birds caught in plastic bags, unable to fly and feed, eventually strangling themselves to death. This blog covers a variety of topics including plastic pollution, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and much more. Even when you dont see it, these indestructible particles are everywhere around us, including in the food chain. They prevent millions of tons of plastic from entering the waste stream each year. Rating: 5 (913 reviews) Highest rating: 5. Once the wheel starts spinning, it leads to even more positive changes. Theyve even made their way up to the secluded Pyrenees mountain range and down to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. Plastic bag bansideally accompanied by a fee on paper bagsare also catching on. Then, you should try to explain your reasons for not wanting your products packed in plastic bags. Starbucks plans to phase out plastic straws by 2020. It is possible to enhance ones risk of developing cavities by using a straw while consuming liquids that are either sweet or acidic. Such changes could have outsized benefits for vulnerable populations that rely on rivers for their water supply. Here are a few more tips for ridding your life (and your community) of single-use plastics for good. Made from fossil fuels 3. In 2015 researchers from the University of Georgia estimated that between 4.8 million and 12.7 million metric tons of plastic per year make their way into the oceans via people living within 30 miles of a coast. About half the cost of making biodegradable polymers is the cost of feedstock. Low rated: 2. Thanks for signing up. So, for example, companies need to not only make products that are recyclable, but actually make them out of recycled or truly biodegradable material. Search for jobs related to Reasons why smoking should be banned articles or hire on the world's largest freelancing marketplace with 22m+ jobs. But this comes along with many unanswered questions. Over time, sun and heat slowly turn plastics into smaller and smaller pieces until they eventually become what are known as microplastics. At the beginning of July 2018, Seattle became the largest U.S. city to ban plastic straws. Author: floridadep.gov. They're bad for the environment, kill marine life and damage human health. Here's a quick list of the ways plastic straws may be harming your health: 1. If this happens, there are a few scenarios you can follow: The best thing you can do with those old plastic bags that have been stashed in that overflowing drawer in your kitchen is to recycle them. But beyond these impacts, the bans have cultural effects. These steps are pretty straight forward and depend on your own initiative. | | 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. And Starbucks, which uses an estimated one billion plastic straws per year, is phasing them out in favor of paper ones. Plastic Straws: Is Paper Really Better for the Environment? Consumer outrage about the plastics crisis is already commanding attention from big companies and from many governments. ), then its clean! Instead of investing in quality goods that will last, we often prioritize convenience over durability and consideration of long-term impacts. They suspect that it may add stress on the liver by introducing more pathogens into the body. . Single-use plastics are a glaring example of the problems with throwaway culture. Alternatives to plastic straws, such as paper, may not always be effective for disabled people: paper can be bitten through or broken easily. Among the U.S. cities to outlaw plastic straws are Malibu, Berkeley, Seattle, and Miami Beach. 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. You as an individual have the power to make a gradual change in your community. Disney is eliminating single-use plastic straws and stirrers at all its theme parks, resorts and properties. 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. China doesnt want our plastic waste anymore. Individual actions can lead to collective actions. Plastic straws have an especially high propensity to end up in our rivers after being thrown away. In fact, it is estimated that up to 10 million plastic bags are used every minute around the world [1]. The very best alternative is a reusable bag. NDLA National Disability Leadership Alliance: Nothing About Us Without Us. Our plastic addiction is having a devastating impact on our oceans, our wildlife, and our health. It means that most bags can be recycled. 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. 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]. 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 . Straws are said to be one of the top 10 objects recovered during beach clean-ups by the Ocean Conservancy. However, if a plastic straw ban is properly implemented with education about single-use plastics, then the ban could encourage the public to reduce their usage of other single-use plastics as well. Its because Asian and US coastlines release large amounts of plastic waste in the ocean [7]. Let us know if you liked this article. However, I do believe that we should limit our use of plastic straws by asking businesses to only give out straws on request. 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. By comparison, an estimated 46 percent of all pollution in the ocean is made up of lost or abandoned fishing gear (Vox). Making just one simple swap, like purchasing a reusable water bottle, can spare the environment hundreds of plastic bottles each year. 10 reasons why plastic straws should be banned. Theyre in about a quarter of the seafood in our markets, and even in table salt. Help raise awareness of fellow consumers that means everyone when you think about it (unless they dont shopever). Straws are notorious for being readily blown away by the wind. They are tinier than a palm of your hand and appear so fragile when struggling across the beach to make it to the sea. 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. Starbucks recently announced that it would phase out use of plastic straws by the year 2020. 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. 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. While we may not pay for plastic bags directly when we go shopping, they are anything but free.. Learn how your comment data is processed. Many people with disabilities rely on flexible straws to drink safely and independently. 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. 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. update email soon. The majority of plastic bags are made of polyethylene, a substance that is derived from crude oil refining and natural gas processing. These pieces can be so small that they are invisible to our eye. In fact, plastic straws only make up around 0.03 percent of total plastic waste by mass. CRIDDLE:Cost is a huge issue. In New York, 23 billion plastic bags are used by residents each year. For example, in Botswana, the consumption of plastic bags dropped by 50 percent after the introduction of the tax in 2007. 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. Plastic bags are a convenient way to carry our purchased goods when we go shopping. Single-use plastics are most commonly used for packaging and serviceware, such as bottles, wrappers, straws, and bags. Pack it alongside reusable cutlery (like wood, bamboo, or metal chopsticks) for sustainable eating on the go. PLASTIC STRAWS CANT BE BROKEN DOWN BY NATURE. Do you also have that overflowing kitchen drawer full of plastic bags you bring from your shopping trips? Each year on two far-flung Australian islands, more than half a million hermit crabs die after becoming trapped inside our plastic waste. Summary: Reduce your use of single-use plastics. 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. 2023 Get Green Now. Getting rid of a single plastic straw may not have a very large effect on the environment. 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. 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.). Plastic Straws: Is Paper Really Better for the Environment?Continue. What to do with plastic bags you already have at home? Plastic bags are often mistaken for food by animals, birds, and marine life. Communities and consumers can play vital roles in sparking action. Killing wildlife 5. 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. The upshot of the Sydney study is that the California bag ban reduced plastic bag consumption by 71.5% - a huge decrease. You can use some easy online locators to see the closest plastic bag drop-off. 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. 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? We are working hard to improve our content. Some experts estimate that more than 1 million sea animals are killed each year by straws and other types of plastic trash. 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. China 10 Reasons Why Plastic Straws Should Be Banned Manufacturers, Supply 10 Reasons Why Plastic Straws Should Be Banned with High Quality, Wholesale 10 Reasons Why Plastic Straws Should Be Banned with Low Price, High Quality. By simply using less plastic, you can help keep marine life from eating and getting entangled in garbage. Plastic fragments in the ocean such as those from plastic bags can absorb pollutants like PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and PAHs (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) easily. The first is to invest in better waste collection in the handful of countries that account for most of the plastic flowing into the ocean. However, as an environmental enthusiast, heres what I think about this ban. female pomeranian temperament; splinterlands terms and conditions; carbon emissions data by company; ( ) + . (Everything You Need To Know). 4. A Ban Could Harm Local Businesses If 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. (Some places are going so far as to ban single-use plastics entirely; most notably, India intends to go this route by 2022.) You could either discuss with a store manager a possibility of bringing your own containers for these products. Our goal is to inspire people to change their attitudes and behaviors toward a more sustainable life. 1. Juan Cristobal Cobo/Bloomberg via Getty Images. Driven by public pressure, governments and corporations are considering eliminating or phasing out single-use plastics such as straws. As a result, the ban will reduce the number of plastic straws polluting the ocean. The inaccuracy of this number calls into doubt the veracity of the overall case against using plastic straws as a drinking implement. So, plastic bag recycling facilities are few and far between and transportation to one could be expensive. 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. When animals ingest plastic, it clogs up their digestive systems, which can easily choke or kill animals like birds or sea turtles. This strategy has been adopted by some countries and municipalities so far and has proven to greatly reduce plastic bag usage by consumers. (Photo credit: Shutterstock). A straw with our iced coffee, a plastic bag to carry our takeout, a wrapper on a candy bar: taken individually, each seems harmless. Please share this message with your friends so that together, we can tackle our global plastic problem. So that free plastic bag isnt so free after all. 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. Sugar and oils are too expensive. Facebook; Contact Now . Companies are forced to innovate, rethinking their designs and sourcing sustainable materials. Plastic straws are not the first iteration of straws. 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. Better alternatives are available 10. Car Recycling: Everything You Need to Know (With Statistics), Sustainable Diving & Snorkeling: How to Prevent Damage to Marine Ecosystems, What Are Microplastics and Why Are They a Concern? Car Modifications for Electric Vehicles: Whats Possible. 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. Plastic straws (like most plastic) are non-biodegradable, meaning that it cant be naturally broken down by decomposers. Plastic straws only account for roughly one percent of the total amount of waste plastic found in the ocean. Plastic bags. Though plastica chain of synthetic polymers, essentiallywas invented in. Buy a metal or bamboo reusable straw. According to market research firms, Americans use about 350 million plastic straws every single day. How Plastic Bottles Become Death Traps for Hermit Crabs. 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. A wave of single-use plastic bans is sweeping the country and the globemost often on plastic bags, straws, stirrers, and takeout clamshells. Lizzie Carr is shining a light on what is floating through the worlds waterways, and breaking athletic records along the way. 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]. All Rights Reserved. Animals can also easily become entangled in this plastic waste. But, are paper straws really better for the environment? All rights reserved. Well, before putting it into the laundry basket, take a look at it closely. Due to its chemistry, nothing in nature can make plastic biodegrade. 82 percent of the responding food service establishments were aware of the prohibition, and 69 percent of those establishments viewed the ban favorably. 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. Single-use plastics in particularespecially small items like straws, bags, and cutleryare traditionally hard to recycle because they fall into the crevices of recycling machinery and therefore are often not accepted by recycling centers. 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. Prior the ban, 70 percent of livestock losses were attributed to plastic bag ingestion. Actress Nina Nelson and other celebrities made a video claiming that plastic. To make matters worse, if plastic straws get into the ocean, they can be mistaken for food by marine animals. Start from yourself and slowly expand to your family and friends. Ill also go over whether or not plastic straw bans will actually help the environment, and explain everything else youll need to know. . Cook more often, to reduce your use of plastic-heavy takeout containers. New research shows their prolific dam building benefits river water quality so much, it outweighs the damaging influence of climate-driven droughts. Because of this, the plants and wildlife in the area have a potential risk of absorbing the microplastics through their diets and drinking water. Greentumble was founded in the summer of 2015 by us, Sara and Ovi. Plastic, in general, is one of the biggest pollutants in the world. Martin Grimm/Picture-alliance via Associated Press. 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. Criddle isdirector of StanfordsCodiga Resource Recovery Center,a member ofStanford Bio-Xand an affiliate of thePrecourt Institute for Energy. If environmental zealots and sycophants get their way, you won't be allowed to sip it through a plastic straw. But these cases make up a small fraction of single-use plastic. Without proper education, few people would know the purpose of the ban, and they would continue using other single-use plastics which could be even worse for the environment.

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