Plastic straws are one of the most common items collected during ocean cleanups today.
To try and “solve” this problem, government officials in a variety of jurisdictions have made moves to ban plastic bags, along with single-use plastic straws and utensils.
They are places like Seattle, San Francisco, and Malibu.
Aside from government restrictions, a growing number of companies have also vowed to do away with straws and other plastic items for good either right away or within just a few years.
Why Not Make It Against The Law?
Saying that you don't think plastic straws should be made illegal doesn't mean that you're in favor of plastic pollution, it means that you don't think people should be locked up in a cage or fined for using a straw, bag, or cup. You could be against plastic straw criminalization and yet still think it's a great idea to opt for alternatives voluntarily that might be better for the environment.
There isn't any law that is too minor.
That is what you're calling for when you're calling for plastic straws to be made illegal. And if we aren't willing to kill to enforce these laws then we shouldn't be passing them. Because if someone refuses to obey them, and refuses to accept punishment, they are going to be required to pay the ultimate price.
Jail time and other initiations of violence shouldn't be necessary when it comes to pondering solutions that might help reduce plastic pollution worldwide. Trying to reduce plastic pollution around the world is likely an idea that millions of people would find appealing, they'd be willing to voluntarily contribute to a solution without any threat of violence being required.
Education Is Key
Companies can also play a critical role in helping to educate consumers with informational campaigns. As well, if a private business wants to do away with plastic straws and resort to using something else then that is a great way to fuel demand for reasonable plastic straw alternatives. And they should be free to decide what sort of straw they'd like to use, they shouldn't be forced to opt for one over another.
Many companies have already announced their commitment to doing away with plastic straws, they are businesses like A&W, IKEA, and Starbucks.
You can now find a variety of straw alternatives today on the market: paper, glass, bamboo, hemp, and more.
As well, you can find a myriad of restaurants today that have already switched over to using paper straws or some other variety. But the battle against plastic straws, bags, and other items, is still brewing with government officials in various regions. And though the intentions of those behind this battle might be well-meaning, there could be some unintended consequences.
The Need For Straws
Specifically, they might require the use of plastic, bendy straws, that can easily help to facilitate drinking. And they might not always be prepared and have one on them, if they find themselves needing a drink. The alternatives that they are offered also might not work for them depending on what they're drinking or what their physical limitations are etc. Because there are some people out there who might honestly require assistance from these straws, we shouldn't impose widespread violent restrictions on their use that carelessly overlook the limitations of the individual.
Disabled rights activists have continued to speak out against the plastic straw ban, they insist that the changes will impose unnecessary hardships on them.
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