write an essay on alternatives to single use plastic
Answers
Answer:
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (2018), the impact of single-use plastic has had a devastating effect on our oceans, landfill, and our health, yet despite this, plastic use remains a significant problem. Single-use plastic refers to a plastic that is disposable, where its intention is to be used only once before it is thrown away (Giacovelli, 2018). Typically, it refers to cups, plastic bags, straws, cutlery, water bottles, and food packaging. Of the plastic discarded, 79% has either ended up in landfills or the natural environment (Rhodes, 2018). Consequently, there are numerous initiatives designed to phase out the use of plastic. Some include replacing its material with eco-friendly alternatives that are biodegradable, compostable or able to be recycled, however, these alternatives inevitably still end up in landfill (Schultz, 2017). A better option may be to remove the necessity for single-use plastic altogether by using reusable products.
Literature Review
Much of the available research on reducing plastic use suggests that banning plastic has been effective; however, a study at the University of Vermont evaluated the implications of removing bottled water on campus with the expectation that it would reduce the number of plastic bottles used (Berman & Johnson, 2015). The results revealed despite the university encouraging students to bring reusable bottles, and using educational campaigns to give notice of the policy changes; there was an increase of sugary, less healthy beverages sold. These findings significantly demonstrate that the total number of plastic bottles used did not change, students simply chose alternative drinks, also sold in plastic bottles and therefore, we should take precautions with bans because they can produce adverse outcomes. As this study was limited because data was only collected was over a short period, further research woulddone to determine if changing behaviour requires a longer timeframe, and whether changing habits (remembering to bring own reusable water bottles) make a difference. Interestingly, these results are in contrast to Mikhailovich & Fitzgerald’s (2014) study of banned plastic water bottles on another campus. These results saw a slight increase to students refilling their own washable bottles but also found that some students drank less water entirely while other students chose to purchase their plastic drink bottles off campus before arriving. The ban also raised concerns that while water bottles were banned, unhealthy drinks in plastic bottles were not and that some consumers opposed the ban due to the fact it forgoes their right to purchase bottled water. This research is significant as it was conducted on the first university in Australia to ban plastic water bottle usage and importantly demonstrates that, while a ban can result in positive outcomes, negative ones exist also. One of the weaknesses to this study is that it was done as a survey which looks at self-reported behaviour rather than observations of actual behaviour. Since self-reporting methods are prone to biases such as socially desirable responding, results need to be interpreted with caution when concluding. Additionally, the survey responses were voluntary and only resulted in 7.8% of the school population so is unlikely to represent the opinions of the majority of the university population.
Explanation:
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Single Use Plastic makes up major problems on the Earth. It makes up so much of totalbwaste on Earth, and it takes centuries to decompose! Whereas, on average a single ise plastic item is used for less than half an hour by most people. Are there any alternatives that are simple, cheap and easy-to-use to replaces single use plastic?
Yes, there are. Paper is one of the most useful alternative to single use plastic bags. Jute bags are also very useful. And the best thing is, they come from Mother Nature and they decompose, without piling up for centuries.
Explanation:
In the essay, we first need to explain WHY we need a alternative for plastic. Then, we need to single out the alternatives and give supporting facts.