Xia, R. (2018, May 28). Straws. Bottle caps. Polyester. These are the new targets of California’s environmental movement. Retrieved November 17, 2018, from http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-california-plastic-pollution-20180528-story.html
In this article by Rosanna Xia, she explores the environmental hazards that new California laws are targeting, including straws, bottle caps, and polyester. A new study analyzed 150 tap water samples from 5 continents and found that a majority contained micro plastics. Ninety four percent of the samples from the US contained micro plastics. This shocking study reveals the reality that the plastics we use everyday do not just disappear when we recycle or throw them away. The plastic just continues to degrade into smaller particles and incorporate into every aspect of our lives. The new bills include mandating bottle caps be attached to plastic bottles, straws only given upon request, and labeling clothing made with more than 50 percent synthetic material to warn against microfiber shedding during washing. A study by U C Santa Barbara found that a single wastewater treatment plant released 179 lbs of microfibers a day. These measures were met with mixed reactions, some claiming that they would hurt businesses and the economy, and others claiming that they didn’t go far enough.
I think it is great that people are beginning to pay attention to these issues, but I think it is sad that so many still disapprove of them. We all live on this planet and once things like microfibers are released into the ocean they can never be collected again, but businesses can always adapt. Also we all need water to live and no one wants plastic in their water, so this is not a partisan issue, it is a human issue. The effects of plastic pollution are wide reaching and not only affect the ocean and its inhabitants, but humans too. These measures will help protect not only animals and ecosystems, but also people from the harmful effects of plastics.
Wow, that’s terrible that the plastics degrade like that. I’m glad that states like California are stepping up to make a difference. How long exactly would it take plastics or microfibers of such variety to fully degrade?
I agree with you that it is sad that people still aren’t on board with helping and protecting the environment. You made a good point that these environmental issue last a long time, some might not ever be resolved, while businesses can keep changing. Why do you think people are against it?
I believe that people just think in the short term and don’t realize the ramifications of their actions. Also the people in charge of these companies are usually pretty wealthy, and so they don’t see or feel the effects of their actions, as the majority of people affected by environmental issues are poor.
It is great that there is more of an emphasis towards limiting plastic usage however knowing that there is only some collaborative efforts on changing this might not be as effective since many companies use plastic on a daily basis but it always seems to end up elsewhere harming marine life.
I totally agree, and I hope as more awareness is raised around this issue, companies will change. I just hope it is sooner than later. Ideally we won’t use plastic at all in the future and will switch to other alternatives.
Its a step in the right direction for California to begin to enforce laws and regulations to decrease use of plastic. Yet, many are still uncooperative and probably uneducated on the isssue of plastic. As another means of aiding the enviroment, should California instill environmental programs in school to educate people on the subject?
I love this idea! I think awareness is a huge part of the problem. Companies are often the ones solely blamed for plastic pollution, but in reality almost everyone contributes to this issue by buying things wrapped or made of plastic everyday. Most people aren’t even really aware of a lot of the environmental issues going on right now. Education is always the first step and I think that a mandatory (non AP) course in environmental science should be implemented everywhere not just California!