Environmental Sustainability: Ban on Plastic Straws

In the past year, on social media, there has been quite the buzz about what the role plastic straws play in ocean pollution following this video going viral. Although there is some misconception surrounding just how much ocean pollution is caused by plastic straws, that video served as a stepping stone for many people to begin reconsidering just how often they use single-use plastic straws. Since this video was posted on YouTube in 2015 there has been a lot of pressure on corporations to take steps to increase the sustainability of single use products that they offer, especially straws.

Background:
In July of this summer, Seattle, a leader in environmental consciousness in the United States, put a ban on all single use plastic utensils including straws and cocktail picks. This strong message about pollution and sustainability encouraged and inspired other cities in the United States to follow suit.

Later in July, San Fransisco began work on a law that banned all plastic straws, including those which made from plastic but still compostable. San Fransisco Supervisor, Katy Tang stated that straws, even those that are marketed as compostable are particularly difficult for the machines which sort recycling to effectively sort because of their challenging shape and size. Because of this, the San Fransisco Environmental Board decided all plastic straws must be eliminated in by 2019.

My Policy:
If I woke up tomorrow and I was the President, I would follow in San Fransisco's footsteps and ban single use plastic supplies including, plastic straws, flatware, plates (etc.) and cocktail picks in the United States by January 1, 2020. In my ban I would include all single use products that are not naturally biodegradable including those which are made from biodegradable, plastic materials. This is a very small step, which causes very little or no inconvenience to consumers seeing as all of these one use products already have reusable or environmentally friendly options such as metal or paper straws, paper or bamboo plates, bowls and straws.

Citations:

Wiley, Michelle. “San Francisco Is Poised To Ban Plastic Straws. That's Got Bubble Tea Shops Worried.” NPR, NPR, 30 July 2018, www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/07/30/634086689/bubble-tea-sellers-say-plastic-straw-ban-won-t-be-good-for-business.

“Seattle Becomes First U.S. City to Ban Plastic Utensils and Straws.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, 2 July 2018, www.cbsnews.com/news/seattle-becomes-first-u-s-city-to-ban-plastic-utensils-and-straws/.

Comments

Mr. Roddy said…
Ouch! I had not seen the video prior. So, this is a good example of empathy as a catalyst for action. How might people most actively use the power of empathy to ensure action is taken?
September 26, 2018 at 2:35 PM
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