Our Planet Versus Plastic Bags—A Tale of Two Cities
Plastic pollution has become a global plague. In this article, we see how two cities in the same U.S. state, Santa Fe and Albuquerque, have dealt with single-use plastic bags.
Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the United States, has emerged as a success story in the battle against single-use plastic bags. Recognizing the detrimental impact on tourism, wildlife, and aesthetics, Santa Fe implemented a ban on single-use plastic carryout bags in 2015. This decision aimed to protect the environment, reduce waste and pollution, and improve public health. Residents understood the importance of maintaining a beautiful home and extending that care to the planet.
Albuquerque, a larger and more populous city, faltered in enforcing its own ban. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted businesses and supply chains, leading to the deferral of the ban. Eventually, the city council decided to revoke the ban altogether, prioritizing convenience over environmental concerns, though it may revisit the ban in the future.
Plastic-bag bans have gained momentum worldwide. San Francisco became the first U.S. city to pass a law against single-use plastic bags in 2007, followed by a statewide ban in California in 2014. Internationally, a growing number of countries and cities, including Australia's Adelaide, have also implemented blanket bans.
Western reports often scapegoat East and Southeast Asian countries for plastic pollution in oceans. The truth is that Western countries export plastic waste to less developed nations. This practice, known as “waste colonialism,” exacerbates the problem and hinders the finding of effective solutions.
Plastic pollution threatens the environment and human health. Plastics do not biodegrade and break down into tiny particles over time, leaching hazardous chemicals into the environment and infiltrating the food chain. Microplastics have been found in animals, fish, birds, and even human blood and organs. The long-term consequences of plastic ingestion and exposure require further research.
With global plastic production reaching alarming levels, urgent action is needed. Recycling alone is not enough, as over 90 percent of plastic ends up in landfills, rivers, and oceans. A legally binding international plastics treaty to address the issue.
While governments and international agreements play a crucial role, individual actions matter too. Adopting simple habits, such as bringing reusable bags when shopping, can significantly reduce plastic waste and support a cleaner way of living.
Plastic bag bans and environmental awareness are gaining traction, but the battle against plastic pollution is ongoing. By learning from the experiences of cities like Santa Fe and Albuquerque, as well as promoting sustainable practices on a global scale, we can work towards a cleaner, healthier future for our planet and ourselves.
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
