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“Why Single-Use Plastics Should be Banned”

Garrett Hadley

Composition 11

May 15, 2024

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“Why Single-Use Plastics Should be Banned”

In 1907 a man named Leo Baekland invented Bakelite, which was the first fully synthetic

plastic, ever. Which means that it has no molecules from nature at all. Now of course this man

created it not knowing what it would do to the environment later in life. It's an amazing invention

and has worked for over a decade. But, this invention is causing many problems because of our,

now, “throw away society”. One of the many general inventions made from this material is

called Single-Use plastics. These are plastics that are exactly what they sound like, only able to

be used once. Such as, plastic bags, plastic silverware, water bottles, etc. But, this invention is

causing many problems because of our, now, “throw away society”. It's causing lots and lots of

pollution and because they aren't naturally made they can’t be degraded very fast, these plastics

are also having a huge effect on our health, and the proccess to make these plastics aren’t very

environmentally friendly either. But, like I said before, this an amazing invention and it has very

effective uses, but it has a very negative downside to it and I believe that it overweighs the pros.

So I think we need to ban these plastics and move to something that it more biodegradable and

we won’t have to worry about the plastics staying with us forever. But, I do believe that

single-use plastics should stay in hospitals for many safety reasons, but we need to make sure

that those plastics are taken care of whenever they have been used.

So for my first argument, Is the environmental impact. Now because plastics are not

naturally made they don’t fit into the natural environment. This causes the plastics to stay for a

very long time, “Most of the rest ends up in landfills where it may take up to 500 years to

decompose, and potentially leak pollutants into the soil and water.” (CHO). Plastic usage has

reached unprecedented levels, with staggering amounts produced annually. Despite efforts to

recycle, a significant portion ends up in landfills, waterways, and oceans. The durability of
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plastics means they persist in the environment for hundreds of years, breaking down into smaller

particles but never truly disappearing. These microplastics pose a grave threat to marine life, as

they are often mistaken for food and consumed, leading to entanglement, suffocation, and

starvation.

Beyond its visible environmental impact, plastic pollution also poses significant risks to

human health. Chemicals leached from plastics, such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), have

been linked to a myriad of health problems, including hormone disruption, reproductive issues,

and even cancer. Of particular concern are microplastics, tiny particles that infiltrate our food

chain. These microscopic pollutants can accumulate in the tissues of marine animals and

ultimately end up on our plates, presenting a direct threat to human health.

The process of manufacturing plastics is inherently unsustainable and contributes to

further environmental degradation. From the extraction of fossil fuels to the release of toxic

chemicals during production, the environmental footprint of plastic is substantial. Moreover, the

proliferation of single-use plastics exacerbates this issue, as the convenience they offer comes at

a significant cost to the planet. Efforts to mitigate these impacts, such as investing in alternative

materials and promoting recycling initiatives, are crucial in moving towards a more sustainable

future.

While some argue that pollution can be easily avoided, the reality is far more complex.

The convenience and ubiquity of plastic make it challenging for individuals to completely

eliminate its use from their lives. While personal choices, such as reducing single-use plastics

and opting for reusable alternatives, are important steps in mitigating pollution, systemic change

is necessary to address the root causes of plastic waste. Industries must prioritize sustainable

practices and governments must enact regulations to incentivize the reduction, reuse, and
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recycling of plastics. Additionally, education and awareness campaigns can empower individuals

to make informed choices and advocate for policies that promote environmental sustainability. In

certain contexts, such as healthcare, the use of single-use plastics is deemed essential for

sanitation and safety purposes. Hospitals rely on disposable gloves, syringes, and packaging to

prevent the spread of infections and protect both patients and healthcare workers. While efforts

to reduce plastic usage in healthcare settings are underway, finding suitable alternatives that meet

stringent safety standards remains a challenge. However, innovation in materials science and

collaboration between healthcare professionals and environmental experts offer promising

avenues for developing biodegradable alternatives and implementing recycling programs tailored

to the specific needs of the healthcare industry. By balancing the necessity of single-use plastics

with the imperative to reduce pollution, healthcare facilities can play a vital role in advancing

sustainable practices while upholding patient care standards.

In conclusion, the pervasive pollution of the environment by plastic waste, its detrimental

effects on human health, and the unsustainable process of plastic production highlight the urgent

need for action. Addressing this multifaceted issue requires a concerted effort from individuals,

industries, and governments alike. By raising awareness, adopting sustainable practices, and

advocating for systemic change, we can work towards a future where plastic pollution is no

longer a threat to our planet and its inhabitants.