research log

topic
1. plastic bags (Sustainable Development)
2. plastic bags should be banned

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sources:

1.

Abstract

Plastic carrier bags have been drawing the attention of the public and politicians. Different policy measures to reduce the environmental burden of these bags have been implemented and more are planned. The research analyzed the actual environmental aspects of consumption and use of plastic carrier bags and assessed the effectiveness of the proposed regulation in Israel. Since plastic bags are provided free of charge, people have a tendency to use these bags excessively, therefore a rigorous educational program should address this trend. However, the environmental load imposed by the bags is more a politically correct issue than an actual environmental hazard, and therefore the means for reducing their use should not include a high levy or total elimination of these bags.


2.


Abstract

In May 2003, the South African government enacted regulations banning the production of thin-film plastic shopping bags. The government advocated that such thin-film plastic shopping bags were indiscriminately discarded because they had no economic and recycling value. However, in as much as the regulations led to significant reductions in plastic shopping bags in the environment, the law resulted in severe unintended negative consequences, as jobs were lost with some businesses in the plastic shopping bag manufacturing sector closing down. The paper also reveals that key stakeholders, such as industry, business and labour, lobbied against the introduction of the regulations but without success. On average, business went down by about 83% with a conservative 25% reduction in employment. Drawing insights from the Irish and Australian experiences, this paper critically reviews sustainability debates and responses surrounding environmental regulation and business, with a special focus on the Plastic Bag Regulations in South Africa. Lessons learnt are presented with the intention to provide insights for future waste product or other environmental regulation initiatives in South Africa and elsewhere in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]



3.
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=106&sid=fd214048-25ae-47e1-a0e5-7a38542d9f87%40sessionmgr14&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=44760762#db=aph&AN=44760762

Abstract

The article discusses the amount of plastic waste in the ocean. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a mass of floating plastic debris that scientists estimate is at least twice the size of the state of Texas. The threat to wildlife by the debris's microplastics, which are chunks of plastic waste that have been reduced to bits of polymer by the effect of waves, wind, and sun, is explored. How the chemical toxins in microplastics harm fish and mammals when ingested are discussed.