I want a clean environment for all. I think we should take reasonable measures to keep the environment clean. Banning the use of single-use plastics is not a reasonable step to protect the environment. I think single-use plastic items, such as forks, knives, spoons, cups, boxes, etc., are essential and we must continue to use these.
We all benefit from clean air and water. Nobody wants to experience pollution. I believe that the United States of America, in particular, does a great job of ensuring a clean and healthy environment.
There continues to be efforts by environmental activists, celebrities, and bureaucrats to stop the use of single-use plastics. In my home state of Wisconsin, a local elected official tried to limit the use of plastic straws in restaurants and bars. I opposed his proposal.
Most recently, celebrity actor Jason Momoa made a statement against single-use plastics. I appreciate Jason’s love for the environment. But I also think that banning single-use plastics would be a great mistake.
Single-use plastic items bring great convenience and comfort in the lives of people. Most recently, the COVID-19 outbreak revealed how useful single-use plastics are. For example, rather than using a stainless spoon or fork that must be washed and cleaned before reuse, a plastic fork could be used and discarded properly, thus reducing the likelihood of transmission of germs.
Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, various government entities announced stay-at-home orders and did not allow restaurants to open their dining rooms to the public. Government agencies also implemented capacity limits for various dining establishments. During those times, a lot of people used the carry-out option when purchasing food and used single-use plastic forks, knives, spoons, straws, and boxes. Without single-use plastics, it would be impossible for the restaurants to serve their customers. These are just some examples of the great benefits that single-use plastic items offer.
At present, many restaurants are suffering due to a lack of workers. At a time when these establishments are facing staffing shortages, use of single-use plastics brings great benefit. Using disposable plastic items, such as forks and spoons, saves time and effort that would otherwise be spent on cleaning dining cutlery. At a time of crisis, single-use plastics help increase the efficiency of service in restaurants.
Single-use plastics – packages, wraps, containers, etc. – also are widely used in medical facilities and provide benefits for the health and safety of patients. Reducing single-use plastics would adversely affect the practice of medicine.
Before someone speaks against single-use plastics, it is important to think about all the benefits that plastic items offer for the health, safety, and convenience of the general public. I think single-use plastics are very useful and essential in our everyday lives. Therefore, single-use plastics must not be banned or restricted.