The ultimate killer
Welcome back!
I have never been very involved in sustainability that is why reading each day about it has allowed me to understand the gravity of the situation. I have realized that the world has a common enemy, the ultimate killer, called Plastic. The problem is that it is a non-recycle material that it is everywhere. Therefore, it is essential that we replace it and ban it. There are three main pillars to confront the ecological crisis: Companies, Consumers, and Governments. All three have enough power and need each other to succeed. Today’s post will be based on the important actions of the last pillar, the government.
So, how can we stop using plastic? The answer is with the help of strong regulations. It is like adopting a new strategy just like the carbon footprint but involving plastic. Carbon Footprints measures the level that countries are involved using or affecting resources such as land or water. The following image shows each country and their use of these resources. The same could be done with plastic.
Furthermore, some governments are already banning plastic in their countries such as France. “France has passed a new law to ensure all plastic cups, cutlery and plates can be composted and are made of biologically-sourced materials” (independent.co.uk, 2016). The interesting part about this blog post is that many countries and organizations are against this new regulation that will come into effect in 2020. The thing is that banning plastic is violating the rules of free movement of goods within the European Union. Pack2go Europe said that there is “no proof the biologically-sourced materials are more environmentally beneficial” (independent.co.uk, 2016).
I personally believe that France is making a good decision and it should spread around the world. Plastic is affecting the entire world and taking action now will save the planet later. The main point of adapting biologically-sourced materials is that they are more recyclable than normal plastic. The company Pack2go Europe is only thinking at a short term and their own benefits, without considering the environmental impact it has.
Thank you!
Maria
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