Scribd
Upload
793 views

Reading Text Number 2

Plastic bans are actually bad for the environment according to several studies. Research has shown that producing paper bags uses more water and landfill space than plastic bags and contributes more to water pollution. Paper bag production also produces more greenhouse gas emissions than plastic bag production. Studies from the UK and Scotland found that conventional plastic bags have less of a negative environmental impact than paper bags in terms of factors like global warming potential. Based on these findings from credible sources, the document argues that plastic bans do not help the environment and the "Total Plastic Ban Act of 2011" should be repealed.

Uploaded by

Sophia Anne Margarette Nicolas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
793 views

Reading Text Number 2

Plastic bans are actually bad for the environment according to several studies. Research has shown that producing paper bags uses more water and landfill space than plastic bags and contributes more to water pollution. Paper bag production also produces more greenhouse gas emissions than plastic bag production. Studies from the UK and Scotland found that conventional plastic bags have less of a negative environmental impact than paper bags in terms of factors like global warming potential. Based on these findings from credible sources, the document argues that plastic bans do not help the environment and the "Total Plastic Ban Act of 2011" should be repealed.

Uploaded by

Sophia Anne Margarette Nicolas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

CHAPTER IV: WRITING A POSITION PAPER

Reading Text No. 2


PLASTIC BAN IS BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
As of the start of 2014, nearly all of the cities in Metro Manila had implemented a ban
on plastic bags, in compliance with “Total Plastic Ban Act of 2011”. This Act prohibited
the sale and use of conventional (high density polyethylene or HDPE) plastic bags in
business establishments, such as grocery stores, fast food outlets and restaurants, mall
stores, and markets, and penalize violators with amounts ranging from Php 500.00 to
Php 5,000.00, including imprisonment. Businesses are allowed to use only paper bags
or biodegradable plastic bags as substitute. While this measure appears to be eco-
friendly, the fact is that the plastic ban does more harm than good.
It is easy to believe that paper bags are more environment-friendly that conventional
plastic bags. After all, paper is natural; plastic is synthetic. Paper bags degrade easily;
plastics, we are told, stay in the environment for many years. However, all these are just
myths. And anyone who cares enough to do basic Internet research can find out what
science actually proves.
The website “All About Bags” compiles a number of research studies, both by private
research organizations and government, and shows the following:
 Research done by the Scottish Government in 2005 shows that compared to
conventional plastic bags, paper bags have a more negative impact on water
sources. Paper bags consume four times more in their production stage and
contribute 14 times greater in the eutrophication of bodies of water. In addition,
the report says that because paper bags can be as much as 10 times heavier than
plastics bags, the former eats up more landfill space and costs more to transport.
 The ULS Report in 2007 shows that the production of conventional plastic bags,
compared to that of paper bags, produces significantly less greenhouse emissions
(39% for plastic vs 68% for paper). It also consumes less water; 58 gallons per
1,500 plastic bags vs an overwhelming 1,004 gallons per 1,000 paper bags.
 A 2011 report from the UK Government says that conventional HDPE bags show
the least negative impact on climate (a measure called global warming potential)
compared to paper bags and even biodegradable plastic bags.
These findings from credible research bodies prove on thing. Plastic bans do not make
sense. Plastic bans do not work. The smart – and eco-friendly – thing to do now is to
repeal that “Total Plastic Ban Act of 2011”.

You might also like