Article Summary
The author of article «We were all right to hate the plastic straw ban. And we need more legislation like it” reflects on the plastic straw ban, its viability, and its outcomes. In 2018, an anti-straw sentiment supported by social media, local news, and talk shows led to plastic straw bans in several states across the country “to the news that straws are sea-turtle murderers” (Haggerty, 2019, para. 2). The author initially expresses certain doubt concerning the rationale of this decision as there is neither appropriate equivalents to plastic straws nor smart regulation of this issue. However, at the end of the article, she admits that the ban will definitely have a positive impact on environmental safety.
Economic Concept
This article addresses the concept of consumer choice and its indirect, though actual influence on the environment. It goes without saying that large fossil fuel companies are prevalently responsible for greenhouse gas emissions all over the world, and the personal responsibility of any individual for pollution seems to be insignificant (Haggerty, 2019). However, the business exists to satisfy the customers’ needs, and it is people who should review their approach to consumption. In other words, when they choose to be environmentally conscious, they influence massively deregulated industries and their harmful contribution to the environment (Haggerty, 2019). Although bans may be regarded as a violation of certain freedoms, consumer choice should be legally regulated from time to time for positive outcomes in the future.
Opinion
From a personal perspective, the concept of consumer choice is highly essential for environmental protection. I agree that the legal regulation of customers’ choice through bans does not have a substantially negative effect on people’s rights and freedoms though it will help to save the planet. Despite the fact that the plastic straw ban will contribute insignificantly to the saving of marine animals in comparison with the total pollution level, it forces people to think about what they can personally do to prevent climate change.
Reference
Haggerty, M. (2019). We were all right to hate the plastic straw ban. And we need more legislation like it. Vox. Web.