With the plastic bag use not dropping, we have a need for effective plastic waste management. This can be accomplished at many levels - including the individual, the society and the government levels. Individuals can take various small, but important steps which can help manage the waste. One of these are to make certain that waste containing plastic bags are divided from vegetable along with other easily degradable waste. This will boost the effectiveness of the waste management process. At the societal level, citizens have to persuade other individuals to dispose of plastic bags and products in public trash cans offered specifically for it.
Plastic waste management at the government level
Plastic waste management at the government level can be made more efficient by encouraging people to actively participate in the generation of ideas that will help with the process. The European Commission has used this measure and has started a public consultation on whether plastic bags must be reduced or not. Both, individuals and businesses have been encouraged to give their opinion of this matter. In an effort to tackle the challenge of rising plastic waste in the continent, the European Commission has questioned people whether plastic bags need to be banned or taxed. The public consultation will commence this month and will go on until August.
People to have a say
Folks can provide their ideas on how waste related to plastic bag usage might be lessened. In addition, they're able to provide their suggestions on how plastic bags could be labeled to notify people that they are biodegradable. Even though some countries have started taxation and voluntary agreements with those in the retail segment for halting use of plastic bags, the European Union (EU) is yet to set specific laws in place. EU states that each year, an average resident in Europe uses almost 500 plastic bags, of which none are reused.
Ireland and Italy successful with bans on plastic
A nation that has successfully created a levy on plastic bag use is Ireland. In 2002, the country started a tax on plastic bags, which helped bring down the use of the bags from 328 to 21 for each person. One other country, Italy has employed an even more stringent measure, which bans specific plastic bag types. The latest consultation has recommended that all biodegradable plastic bags have a label which indicates that they're going to degrade naturally in the environment. Similarly, compostable bags should indicate that they can break down only if put in a composting facility. As reported by the Commission, without these kinds of labels, people will probably litter.
Opt for eco bags and save marine life
Despite the fact that the majority of plastic bags used are biodegradable, they are placed in landfills. In addition, often they get transported to the rivers and the seas if the fact that the bags are made of plastic escapes notice. This happens because plastic bags basically weigh very less and are small. Estimates suggest that about 250 billion plastic particles from 500 tons of plastic float on the Mediterranean. Often, marine animals consume these plastic particles or bags, that choke and kill them. The particles that float also take in pollutants, specifically organic ones, which impact marine life negatively. The best approach to reduce the chances of plastic turning up in water bodies and affecting life forms in it is to use reusable bags made of jute, cotton or any material that is easily biodegradable.
Plastic waste management at the government level
Plastic waste management at the government level can be made more efficient by encouraging people to actively participate in the generation of ideas that will help with the process. The European Commission has used this measure and has started a public consultation on whether plastic bags must be reduced or not. Both, individuals and businesses have been encouraged to give their opinion of this matter. In an effort to tackle the challenge of rising plastic waste in the continent, the European Commission has questioned people whether plastic bags need to be banned or taxed. The public consultation will commence this month and will go on until August.
People to have a say
Folks can provide their ideas on how waste related to plastic bag usage might be lessened. In addition, they're able to provide their suggestions on how plastic bags could be labeled to notify people that they are biodegradable. Even though some countries have started taxation and voluntary agreements with those in the retail segment for halting use of plastic bags, the European Union (EU) is yet to set specific laws in place. EU states that each year, an average resident in Europe uses almost 500 plastic bags, of which none are reused.
Ireland and Italy successful with bans on plastic
A nation that has successfully created a levy on plastic bag use is Ireland. In 2002, the country started a tax on plastic bags, which helped bring down the use of the bags from 328 to 21 for each person. One other country, Italy has employed an even more stringent measure, which bans specific plastic bag types. The latest consultation has recommended that all biodegradable plastic bags have a label which indicates that they're going to degrade naturally in the environment. Similarly, compostable bags should indicate that they can break down only if put in a composting facility. As reported by the Commission, without these kinds of labels, people will probably litter.
Opt for eco bags and save marine life
Despite the fact that the majority of plastic bags used are biodegradable, they are placed in landfills. In addition, often they get transported to the rivers and the seas if the fact that the bags are made of plastic escapes notice. This happens because plastic bags basically weigh very less and are small. Estimates suggest that about 250 billion plastic particles from 500 tons of plastic float on the Mediterranean. Often, marine animals consume these plastic particles or bags, that choke and kill them. The particles that float also take in pollutants, specifically organic ones, which impact marine life negatively. The best approach to reduce the chances of plastic turning up in water bodies and affecting life forms in it is to use reusable bags made of jute, cotton or any material that is easily biodegradable.
About the Author:
Dean Prater is an immensely educated journalist talking about eco and reusing topics furthermore educating on the ideal to firms to utilize seed products to promote both their brand name and recognition for our earth.
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