01 Mar Biodegradable or Non-biodegradable plastic items- What is the future?
Are we addicted to Plastic? Well, sure we are, this is why- there are communities spread across the globe to fight back the harm which is caused by the Non-Bio degradable products (for instance: plastic cups, plates, cutlery, etc.) or even the items which contain less than 50 % biodegradable material. Bio-degradable products can be decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms contributing to pollution prevention.
In global efforts towards the healthy future, Bangladesh came first in the list to ban non-biodegradable plastic in 2002. Later many other countries took the initiative, the success was seen in Jamaica. In 2017 France was seen to enact a ban on thin green bags. Even India has proposed a law in favor of the prohibition on Non-Bio degradable products which are eventually harming the ocean and marine life. Some individual associations are also considering the concern towards the environment and taking possible steps towards the betterment, the famous names include – Alaska Airlines, Costa Café, Hilton, Hyatt hotels, Ikea, McDonald’s UK, Marriott International, London city airport.
Let’s talk about states under the US territories which are considering it as a serious issue are trying their bit.
California – In 2016 San Francisco introduced a new law that would be enacted to the distribution of plastic straws and some other non-biodegradable items. Also, there will be a drive to clean up San Francisco’s chronic trash issues.
New Jersey – Hoboken, Jersey City and even shore towns (for instance) Long Beach, Belmar and Point Pleasant Beach have banned single-use plastic Bags.
New Mexico- There isn’t a federal ban on plastic bags. The city has applied the way of recycling to reduce usage of non-biodegradable products. But the positive sign is many municipalities in Mexico are taking actions against the use of such products. The big name comes into the limelight which is Queretaro. They strictly intend to enforce the ban by denying business license approval to businesses.
New York- After the enforcement of banning straws in many states, 60 restaurants in New York have already gone straw free. The fact to notice is that the bill officially hasn’t been passed in New York.
South Carolina- This place has also gone towards right way and prohibited the usage of single-use-plastic bags including- foam food containers and more.
Washington- By the end of 2017, Washington also enacted the law banning the use of Plastic straws and utensils.
Not to forget that these are just ongoing initiatives facing the challenges which are more significant than their small steps.
Several other states have shown up as complete opponents towards the ban on such products and even banning the prohibition on the use of non-biodegradable plastic items. The list tops with Michigan who recently passed a law to ban the Ban on such products claiming that employment opportunities and business revenues would affect the nation which naturally restricts the positive impact. There are other 9 states which are falling on the same scale. The names include – Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, and Wisconsin. A second most crucial aspect of opposing a ban on non-biodegradable items is the production cost of biodegradable items.
On account of that, it becomes essential to consider the scale or economy which is supposed to get hurt. The recent studies have introduced cheaper ways to produce biodegradable plastic items, and they claim that it is greener as well.
How? So, they claim that maize is the best solution to make bioplastics. Bioplastic which is also known as polylactic acid (PLA) is derived from renewable resources, for instance: sugar in sugarcane and maize turning sugar into lactic acid.
The main concern comes out as what is going to be the future of both- Bioplastics or non-bioplastics. Scientists claim that Bioplastics do have the right potential to alleviate pollution issues caused by non-Biodegradable plastic items. Although not to forget that some bioplastics are biodegradable, but some are not, like the bioplastics used in packaging. Even after having good qualities, it also has similar drawbacks in terms of sustainability and decomposition.
The decision is hard to make, but the problem is hard to take as well. What should the government do? Are we really addicted to plastic that it is hard to abstain using them? Should disposable products (such as plastic cups, plates, and cutlery) that contain less than 50% of biodegradable material be banned?
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