Introduction: We Live in a Plastic World

Should Oregon implement a statewide ban on plastic bags?

If you’re wondering why we posed this question in particular, it’s simply because we live in an incredibly plastic world. Plastic dominates almost every aspect of nearly everyone’s life, from packaging to clothing and everything in between. As a result, plastic pollution is becoming an increasing concern for marine life advocates and landfills across the globe, where plastic continues to disrupt ecosystems and harm the environment. Since the onset of the Industrial Revolution and the development of a consumer-focused economy, global plastic production has been dominated by standards of cheap, readily available, and not-so-green practices.

Plastic production continues to increase

With plastic rapidly becoming more of an incessant eyesore and world pollutant, many activists and environmentalists believe in plastic bag bans as a big step towards reducing our ecological and carbon footprint (SurfRider, 2016). Plastic bags account for a large portion of the plastic that ends up in oceans, storm drains and landfills across the world, and many bag bans have been put in place to help combat these effects. With a ban implemented in Oregon, supporters could see a sharp reduction in the state’s overall contribution to plastic pollution, a larger focus on sustainable packaging and a lessened dependency on foreign oil reserves. Globally, marine animals may lead healthier lives and toxic chemicals released into the water and air could be reduced (Hunt, 2017).

However, individuals on the other side of the debate believe that a plastic bag ban could actually do more harm to the environment. By implementing a statewide ban, opponents of the measure argue that paper bag use will inherently rise, increasing air pollution and water toxicity through the variety of chemicals used to treat paper (Tyler, 2012). In addition, by avoiding plastic bags individuals may contribute to the pesticide industry by reaching for cotton, reusable bags. Cotton is a highly treated crop that requires the use of several types of pesticides, which may be acutely toxic to both animals and humans.

Municipal solid waste (everyday, discarded litter) is dominated by paper, not plastic

Plastic bag bans have become increasingly popular across the nation and globally as one of the main forms of fighting plastic pollution. In the state of Oregon, larger cities like Portland and Eugene have already implemented their own plastic bag bans for major grocery stores, but the environmental benefits are still largely debated by local communities. Here, we will delve deep into the issue of plastic and its polluting capacities, and offer a suggestion to Oregon on how to best contribute to a reduction in our carbon footprint.

References

SurfRider. “Plastic Pollution .” SurfRider. N.p., 2016. Web. 30 May 2017. <https://www.surfrider.org/initiatives/plastic-pollution>.

Hunt , Elle. “38 million pieces of plastic waste found on uninhabited South Pacific island.” The Guardian . N.p., 15 May 2017. Web. 30 May 2017. <https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/15/38-million-pieces-of-plastic-waste-found-on-uninhabited-south-pacific-island>.

Tyler , David . “Paper or Plastic? The Answer Might Surprise You.” CAScade. N.p., 2012. Web. 30 May 2017. <http://cascade.uoregon.edu/fall2012/expert/expert-article/>.

 

71 thoughts on “Introduction: We Live in a Plastic World”

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  3. I really appreciate this because it makes me reflect on my own plastic use. I realize that plastic has become so ingrained in my daily life, from the packaging I use to the items I buy.

    Reading this makes me feel motivated to make small changes that can help the environment. I personally try to carry reusable bags and avoid single-use plastics whenever I can, and it inspires me to do even more.

    Even while reading a plastic-related webtoon on 블랙툰, it reminds me that every small step I take matters in reducing plastic pollution and protecting our planet.

  4. I find this really thought-provoking because it makes me examine how much plastic I use every day. I notice it in everything from my grocery bags to the packaging on items I buy, and it motivates me to be more conscious.

    I try to make small changes, like carrying reusable bags and avoiding single-use plastics whenever I can.

    I also recently watched and learned from plastic-related videos on YouTube using a downloading tool in 2026, which opened my eyes even more.

    It reminds me that I have the power to make a difference and that my choices truly matter for the planet.

  5. Perfect! I’ll create a fully rewritten version that includes your location (Brazil) and highlights that similar plastic issues exist there, keeping the paragraph + bullet style and naturally integrating the “online YouTube converter” anchor. Here’s the version:

    I live in Brazil, and I’ve realized that plastic is a huge part of daily life here too, from packaging to small disposable items that we often ignore. Seeing how widespread this issue is has made me more aware of my own habits and motivated me to take action. Even small steps feel meaningful when I think about the bigger environmental impact.

    I make an effort to carry reusable bags and reduce single-use plastics wherever I can.

    I look for eco-friendly alternatives for everyday products to minimize waste.

    I also watch and save informative videos using an online YouTube converter to learn more about plastic pollution and how I can help.

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