Reducing Plastic bag use from Athens, Ohio to Southeast Asia (Republished; Originally published November 2023)

Published on 7 October 2024 at 12:12

by Liliana Kijek

The study of environmental science is the analysis of the natural world and its interaction with humans, which explores a wide array of subjects ranging from biology, ecology, and geology to climate dynamics and the formulation of policy and regulation. Sustainability, or the creation and maintenance of conditions in which humans and nature can coexist in a sort of ‘productive harmony’ that not only bolsters the existing community but also considers the lasting impact our actions will have on future generations, is a key concern in the field of environmental studies.

In the early days of industrial growth, the environment and its conservation were paid little attention, but, the progression of environmental studies in the ensuing years has provided a great deal of scientific evidence that makes clear the profound impacts of human actions on the environment. This evidence has initiated a transformative shift in attitudes about the environment, and this shift has been reflected in behavior and development all over the world. From coal mining to the development of renewable energy such as wind and solar, significant progress has been made. Not only do these practices provide energy independence from depleting natural resources, but also significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Renewable energy development is integral to the health of the environment, but there are other pressing concerns that require our immediate attention. One such concern is plastic pollution which has emerged as a formidable opponent to environmental health throughout the world.

This series for the Monsoon Newsletter is a comparative analysis of the pervasive issue of plastic pollution across multiple countries, including the United States, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, and China. The primary goal is to assess the roles and initiatives taken in these countries in combating this environmental threat. Additionally, this series will highlight sustainable development innovations and projects these nations have adopted to become more eco-conscious. With the expertise afforded to me by my Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and the Master's program in Environmental Studies in which I am currently enrolled, I will be exploring various approaches to sustainable innovation and actively applying these insights to communities across the United States.

Athens, Ohio has consistently embraced green approaches to development and is always looking for new ways to be more sustainable. For example, the city recently passed an ordinance that will take effect on January 1, 2024, to reduce single-use plastic bags in circulation around the city. While local businesses, food vendors, and farmers have expressed concern about the associated costs, these restrictions have proved to be successful in the reduction of single-use plastic bags used every day. This ordinance follows in the footsteps of numerous other states such as California, Hawaii, New York, Oregon, and others in successfully implementing such restrictions. This significant step forward for the city was only possible with the advocacy of the grassroots organization, Athens Rethink Plastics. Their work is aimed at education and outreach

on the adverse health and environmental impacts of plastic pollution.  Meanwhile, other countries such as Thailand have taken innovative approaches to reducing plastic pollution, such as the regulation of single-use plastic bags and restrictions on plastic waste imports. The next article of this series will feature a more in-depth examination of Thailand’s initiatives in combatting the plastic pollution crisis, along with an exploration of other sustainable projects aimed at achieving broader benefits in regard to environmental health.

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