Essay Tutor – Topic 22

In this day and age, there are numerous reasons to oppose the use of plastic bags. Eliminating them would significantly improve the environment and prevent further degradation. There are various eco-friendly alternatives available that can replace plastic bags, making their continued use unnecessary and harmful.

.......... plastic bags are a major contributor to pollution due to their non-biodegradable nature. .......... they can take hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose, resulting in an accumulation of waste that contributes to land pollution. As plastic remains embedded in the earth for extended periods, it exacerbates environmental damage and hinders sustainable development.

.......... plastic bags are a significant cause of water pollution. For example, carelessly discarded bags often end up in rivers, drains, and other water bodies, either through negligence or deliberate dumping. .......... once in the water, they can interfere with aquatic ecosystems, harming marine life and disturbing the balance of underwater habitats. The consequences for aquatic animals and ecosystems are often severe and long-lasting.

Plastic bags also contaminate the soil, making it less fertile and unsuitable for agriculture. When chemicals released by decomposing plastics seep into the ground, they impair its ability to support healthy plant growth. As a consequence, this impacts not only agricultural output but also has broader implications for food security and ecological stability.

One of the most alarming impacts of plastic bags is the harm they cause to animals. .......... stray animals, unaware of the dangers, often ingest discarded plastic bags, mistaking them for food. .......... this can result in serious health issues, including choking, intestinal blockages, or even death. The widespread suffering of animals highlights the urgent need to address this issue through effective measures.

A practical solution to reduce plastic bag usage is to impose a charge for alternatives such as paper bags. .......... paper bags may be slightly more expensive, charging for their use would encourage people to recycle and adopt reusable options. .......... gradually phasing out plastic bags through strict regulations could motivate individuals to shift to environmentally friendly habits and reduce dependence on harmful materials.

While avoiding plastic bags entirely may initially be challenging, it is nevertheless necessary for the greater good. Indeed, plastic pollution is steadily eroding our planet’s health, and immediate action is required to mitigate its impact. While some governments have implemented bans on plastic bags, enforcement remains inconsistent, and public awareness is still lacking in many areas.

.......... to ensure the success of these initiatives, governments must strictly enforce regulations and impose penalties on those who violate them. .......... we must refuse to accept plastic bags from shopkeepers and carry our own reusable cloth or paper bags. .......... using sustainable alternatives such as steel or aluminium containers for storage and packing can further reduce plastic usage.

.......... educating children about the dangers of plastic bags and encouraging them to adopt sustainable practices is another vital step. .......... if we observe others using plastic bags, we should take the initiative to discourage them. .......... we can unite to eliminate plastic bags and create a cleaner, healthier, and safer world for future generations.