According to the City of Pittsburgh, on October 14 all retail establishments are prohibited from providing single-use plastic bags. Non-recycled plastic bags are also no longer able to be distributed.
The introduction of a plastic bag ban is an effective way to create a more sustainable Pittsburgh. Removing the use of plastic bags creates less opportunities for litter. The spread of microplastics also decreases if less plastic is used by consumers.
With only about 10 states introducing a plastic bag ban in 2020, Pittsburgh joins legislatures such as those in California, Hawaii and New York, among others, focusing on greener, renewable energy laws.
A10 cent fee per reusable bag is retained by each business owner. This policy could negatively impact low-income individuals or people experiencing homelessness. When buying products for a larger family or group of people, the price could easily factor into what is being purchased.
Cloth bags such as cotton and linen influence more sustainable habits. Although not as environmentally friendly, nylon and polyester are long-lasting materials which resist long-term wear-and-tear.
As the first step towards environmental progress, this ban can serve as a turning point for Pittsburgh. As Pittsburgh’s reputation as the “smoky” or “smoggy” city fades out of people’s minds, the industrialization of the area surrounding us seems to linger.
The health risks of living in a space which frequently creates exposure to chemical inhalants and smog through fracking and factories can range from asthma attacks to migraines to different cancers developing in younger individuals.
The city needs to follow through with their Climate Action Plan, including the goals of low transportation emissions, zero-waste citywide and 100% reusable energy in City facilities. Pittsburgh is one of 25 cities noted for their goals to increase renewable energy and electrify vehicles, according to the city’s website.
University community members need to abide by the newly implemented plastic bag ban. When shopping, the use of tote bags should be encouraged to reduce carbon emissions. Students should also take advantage of the free public transportation now available with Pittsburgh Regional Transit.
Slowly implementing sustainable steps in your lifestyle will only create a more natural way to live in an environmentally-conscious way. Although it can be more difficult to live sustainably as a college student, I tend to use the “something is always better than nothing” logic when approaching discussions about sustainability. If you need to use a plastic water bottle during your commute, go for it. If you decrease your meat consumption from often to every once in a while, that is fine as well. As long as an attempt is made to be more conscious of your behavior, then all is good.
Overall, this is about the good of people’s health. If we are protected from carbon emissions, then this creates more opportunities for outside activities in an environment which is not burning.
The United States should agree to the Green New Deal Policy to lower emissions and work to tackle rising global temperatures before it is too late. Hurry Pioneers, the clock is ticking.
