The introduction of plastic bags has become a highly controversial issue. The issue is stressful for policymakers, who must evaluate different angles and balance several perspectives. For instance, some states, like Michigan, have banned plastic bags, while others have not. This essay writer will analyze the pros and cons of using plastic bags and provide a balanced perspective.
Suppose you are looking for a way to reduce the amount of plastic bags you use; look for less expensive plastic bags. They are generally recyclable and do not require as much energy to collect. Plus, they do not degrade the environment as plastic bags do. But they do cost more than you think. The average American uses about 100 billion plastic bags annually – around 360 per person. Those bags would circle the Earth 773 times if discarded them.
Plastic bags are made of small polyethylene pellets, which are heated, stretched, and cut into a bag shape. Compared to paper bags, plastic bags require 50 times less energy to make. But unlike paper, we must recycle plastic bags by taking them to specialized recycling stations. Moreover, this process is expensive and inefficient. As a result, many plastic bags are shipped to countries with lax environmental laws.
While there are many other options, reusable bags aren’t always the best choice. Several types of grocery bags have different advantages and disadvantages. Cotton bags, for instance, are biodegradable but require more energy to produce than traditional plastic bags. In addition, they are not the most eco-friendly option.
Paper bags are often perceived as better for the environment than plastic bags. This is because these bags can be recycled and composted. The reusable nature of these bags means you can quickly dispose of them in municipal recycling bins. They also help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. However, they do my essay on the reusability of cloth and paper bags.
Researchers have conducted many studies to compare the environmental impact of paper and plastic bags. They found that plastic bags are worse for the environment than paper bags in many areas. For example, plastic bags increase atmospheric acidification, which causes algae to grow in waterways. On the other hand, paper bags are also better for the environment because they are renewable and have a short breakdown time. However, researchers caution against declaring a winner or loser in this debate. Instead, they suggest that consumers focus on minimizing the most critical impacts.
One major disadvantage of plastic bags is that they are difficult to recycle. Customers are often required to bring plastic bags to the store to dispose of their purchases. This waste is not only difficult to clean up, but it also can clog machinery. Plastic bags also release toxic materials when they break down. Moreover, an estimated 123,000 tons of plastic bags are dumped into the oceans each year. Scientists estimate that the volume of plastic in the oceans will exceed the number of fish by 2050.
While plastic bags are not as visually intrusive as other plastic waste, they still pose a significant risk to wildlife. They break down into tiny pieces and end up in the ocean, where they harm wildlife. For instance, many marine creatures feed on these plastic bags and end up in the water. These plastic particles can also damage plants and other animals.
The most common way that plastic bags harm wildlife is by mistakenly looking like food. For example, a floating plastic bag may look like a jellyfish to predators, and a whale may inadvertently eat it as it approaches a school of fish. In addition, cattle have been known to eat plastic bags stuck in tall grasses.
The use of plastic bags has become a severe environmental problem. Most loads do not biodegrade completely with essay writing services. This is because they contain various chemicals that enter the soil and water. These chemicals are harmful to animals and humans alike. Studies show that a single plastic bag can pollute the ocean to an alarming degree.
Plastic bags are light and easy to use but difficult to recycle, leaving them littering our streets and oceans. They are also very harmful to marine life. The minor pieces of plastic can last anywhere from 20 to 1,000 years before they break down, making them hazardous to the ecosystem. In addition, microplastics made from these bags have been found in the guts of marine animals and on beaches worldwide.
The processing of plastic bags causes the release of sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere. This pollution comes from coal-fired power plants that produce the energy used to process them. Plastic bags release 50.5 grams of sulfur oxides per kilogram, while paper bags make 45.4 grams of nitrogen oxides per kilogram.
One way to reduce plastic bag usage is to educate the public about their negative impact on the environment and society. In addition, governments can provide incentives to discourage plastic bags and raise awareness of the adverse effects of using them.
