Plastic bags are everywhere, and the harmful problems they bring cannot be ignored. Data shows that more than 1 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide every year, and the total amount of plastic waste in the ocean is as high as 8 million tons. Many places such as Kenya and California have already implemented plastic should be banned, and it’s time for us all to understand the importance of banning plastic bags.
Plastic should be banned is one of the best ways to reduce environmental pollution, reducing space in landfills and reducing contamination of marine life.
In this article, we will dive into 10 clear reasons to ban plastic bags, from protecting wildlife to reducing waste. Let’s start to understand why ditching plastic bags is a step towards a cleaner planet.
Why Plastic Bags Should Be Banned
1.Plastics are difficult to degrade
Plastics are acid-resistant, anti-oxidant, and difficult to corrode. They can remain buried in the soil for hundreds or even thousands of years without decomposing. When burned, they release toxic gases(such as dioxins, SOx, etc.), which seriously pollute the air and soil. This leads to the long-term accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, forming "white pollution[^3]" that is difficult to clean up.
2.Pollution of our oceans and land
Plastic bags do not decompose easily and take hundreds of years to decompose. They accumulate in oceans, rivers and forests, causing ugly pollution and harming the natural environment.
Undecomposed plastic garbage bags are often seen on coastlines, threatening the ecosystem. After decomposition, tiny plastic fragments will sneak into the water and soil, disrupting the natural balance. By banning the use of plastic bags, we can reduce marine environmental damage and keep the earth clean.
3.Harming wildlife
It is deadly for animals. Turtles, fish and seabirds often mistake them for food, causing tragedies. According to National Geographic, more than 700 species of marine life are harmed by plastic pollution.
- On land, animals such as cows and deer will accidentally ingest plastic bags, causing their stomachs to become blocked and die painfully;
- Sea turtles become entangled in plastic bags;
- The heartbreaking images of birds with stomachs full of garbage
Banning the use of plastic bags will protect wildlife and prevent these tragedies from happening.
4.Made from non-renewable resources
Plastic bags are made from oil and natural gas, which are non-renewable resources that cannot be easily replaced. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the production of plastic bags consumes a lot of energy and costs too much. The stuff that is thrown away after one use is enough to provide 10,000 fuels for 1 million cars.
The production process consumes a lot of energy and produces greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change.By using reusable environmentally sustainable alternatives, more resources can be saved, such as energy or medical supplies.
5.Unrecyclable
Plastic bags are not recyclable. Only about 5-10% of plastic bags are recycled worldwide. It is difficult to recycle and it is easy to clog recycling equipment. It will eventually be sent to landfills or incinerators, releasing toxic gases.
In addition, most stores do not have a suitable recycling system. Banning the use of plastic bags can effectively solve this problem.
6.Plastic waste pollutes land resources
Plastic landfills take up valuable land resources, plastics are difficult to degrade, affect soil structure and fertility, reduce land productivity, and even lead to crop yield reductions. Plastics break down into microplastics and nanoplastics, which are widely found in water bodies and soil, enter organisms such as fish, and are then passed through the food chain, ultimately affecting human health.
7.Chemical components in plastics harm human health
Harmful additives such as phthalates and bisphenol A in plastics release toxic substances at high temperatures, which may cause hormone disorders, liver and kidney damage, cancer and other diseases, posing a long-term threat to human health.
8.Disposable plastic products have high environmental costs
Disposable plastic bags, straws, tableware, etc. are used for a very short time, but they cause a lot of waste and are difficult to recycle, becoming the main source of environmental burden.
9.Increased economic burden
The high cost of plastic waste management, cleaning and environmental restoration increases the burden on the government and social economy, affecting sustainable development.
10.Hindering sustainable development and ecological civilization construction
Plastic pollution destroys the stability of the ecosystem, affects the development of agriculture, fisheries and tourism, and hinders the green and low-carbon transformation and the construction of ecological civilization.
FAQ
Why are plastic bags so harmful?
Plastic bags pollute the oceans, harm wildlife, and take hundreds of years to decompose. They also create microplastics, tiny particles that get into water, soil, and even our food.
Do bans on plastic bags really work?
Yes! Studies show that bans can reduce trash by up to 30%, such as in Kenya and California. Bans also save on cleanup costs and promote sustainable habits.
What are the best alternatives to plastic bags?
Reusable cloth, paper, or biodegradable bags are all good choices. Cotton bags are more environmentally friendly when used regularly, while biodegradable bags break down faster.
What are the downsides to banning plastic bags?
Some people worry that plastic alternatives are heavier or more inconvenient to use. But promoting and educating about reusable bags can address these issues.
Conclusion
The environmental harm of plastics is far-reaching and complex. Banning plastics, especially disposable plastic products, is an inevitable choice to reduce pollution, protect ecology and health, and promote green development. Even biodegradable plastics have problems such as harsh degradation conditions and the possibility of producing microplastics, and cannot completely replace traditional plastics. Therefore, reducing the production and use of plastics and promoting recycling is the fundamental solution.
