With about 400 million tons produced annually, plastic pollution has been a global problem since the middle of the 20th century. But single-use plastics—like straws and bottles—are frequently thrown away and wind up in the environment, endangering people, animals, and ecosystems. The United States has one of the highest rates of plastic consumption in the world. Despite efforts to reduce plastic usage, enforcement of these laws is still difficult.
There are currently plastic bag bans in place in several states and cities in the United States. San Francisco was the first to outlaw plastic bags entirely in 2007. Nonetheless, because of slack enforcement, some companies continue to provide plastic bags. Although the U.S. Interior Department plans to phase out single-use plastic products in national parks and public lands by 2032, the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated efforts to reduce plastic usage. More water fountains will be installed as part of this plan, which also aims to change unsustainable public behavior.
At the moment, smaller-scale initiatives in counties and cities should be the main focus, with compliance being a crucial concern.
