For people who have used plastic bags for years now and without a care in the world, the raging dispute on whether or not plastic grocery bags need to be prohibited may not be worth pondering over. However the entire world is more eco-conscious than ever before, with towns and community councils exercising their right to outlaw plastic, that has turned into a perilous force to reckon with in our modern times. The most recent American city to take a step forward in this regard is Portland, Oregon.
Portland Looking to Enforce a Ban on Plastic Bags
Based upon a European Commission report, the City Council of Portland will vote on the planned ban on plastic bags at the city's markets. This plan comes after the State Legislature was dragging its feet on the issue; and the city felt it was high time that the ban be introduced. If the ban is passed, then it will join Manhattan Beach, California, in this type of green effort. Portland is also planning to hand out reusable grocery bags totally free to its senior citizens and low-income local people.
Oregon May Join San Francisco and Bellingham in this Eco Initiative
As reusable bags are gradually making their presence felt in stores and homes, several states have been slow on the eco-front. San Francisco and Washington's biggest city, Bellingham, are among others which have enforced a ban on plastic bags that are not easy to recycle. San Francisco's ban, especially, was a historic one and an encouragement for the remainder of the US to follow suit.
Arguments Against and In Favor of Plastic Bags
Plastic bags cause a danger for the environment. They make their way to the water to detrimentally impact marine life; each year many thousands of turtles, whales, dolphins and penguins die from feeding on water-borne plastic. When burned, plastic bags generate toxic fumes, they block recycling machines that can't possibly handle them and worst of all, they take a number of years to decompose. But there are some who believe that a ban on plastic bags shouldn't be imposed- plastic bags are less costly and compared to their paper counterparts, they do not necessitate downing trees, they claim. Though these reasons seem sensible, for the greater good of the eco-system a cut back on plastic bags is the need of the hour. Another option being encouraged as an alternative to plastic that is difficult to recycle, is compostable plastic, which doesn't bio-degrade but degrades into smaller pieces. Eco bags are a practical approach, and these include paper bags along with cloth bags.
Businesses Should Encourage Adoption of Green Bags
It would not be incorrect to believe that a large number of people are unaware that they can actually replace plastic bags with environment friendly and completely biodegradable ones made out of plant matter. To inform them, firms can integrate green measures in their advertising pursuits, such as offering recycled grocery bags and aluminum water bottles. Actually, ecologically sound strategies are making their way into various spheres of business activity, and attempts are on by environment-conscious companies to spread the 'green message' to the general public.
Portland Looking to Enforce a Ban on Plastic Bags
Based upon a European Commission report, the City Council of Portland will vote on the planned ban on plastic bags at the city's markets. This plan comes after the State Legislature was dragging its feet on the issue; and the city felt it was high time that the ban be introduced. If the ban is passed, then it will join Manhattan Beach, California, in this type of green effort. Portland is also planning to hand out reusable grocery bags totally free to its senior citizens and low-income local people.
Oregon May Join San Francisco and Bellingham in this Eco Initiative
As reusable bags are gradually making their presence felt in stores and homes, several states have been slow on the eco-front. San Francisco and Washington's biggest city, Bellingham, are among others which have enforced a ban on plastic bags that are not easy to recycle. San Francisco's ban, especially, was a historic one and an encouragement for the remainder of the US to follow suit.
Arguments Against and In Favor of Plastic Bags
Plastic bags cause a danger for the environment. They make their way to the water to detrimentally impact marine life; each year many thousands of turtles, whales, dolphins and penguins die from feeding on water-borne plastic. When burned, plastic bags generate toxic fumes, they block recycling machines that can't possibly handle them and worst of all, they take a number of years to decompose. But there are some who believe that a ban on plastic bags shouldn't be imposed- plastic bags are less costly and compared to their paper counterparts, they do not necessitate downing trees, they claim. Though these reasons seem sensible, for the greater good of the eco-system a cut back on plastic bags is the need of the hour. Another option being encouraged as an alternative to plastic that is difficult to recycle, is compostable plastic, which doesn't bio-degrade but degrades into smaller pieces. Eco bags are a practical approach, and these include paper bags along with cloth bags.
Businesses Should Encourage Adoption of Green Bags
It would not be incorrect to believe that a large number of people are unaware that they can actually replace plastic bags with environment friendly and completely biodegradable ones made out of plant matter. To inform them, firms can integrate green measures in their advertising pursuits, such as offering recycled grocery bags and aluminum water bottles. Actually, ecologically sound strategies are making their way into various spheres of business activity, and attempts are on by environment-conscious companies to spread the 'green message' to the general public.
About the Author:
Max Barrett is a greatly educated journalist discussing environmental and reusing matters plus dispersing the principles to organizations to utilize recycled bags to market both their business and recognition for our earth.
