Plastic bags, which are not biodegradable, pose a serious environmental risk. They pollute our land and water, hurting animals, birds, and marine life. They are also a huge contributor to climate change since they are mostly made of polypropylene, a material made from petroleum, which creates greenhouse gas emissions. Without serious action, by all governments, there could be more plastic in our oceans than fish in less than 30 years. Something must be done. Luckily, some countries are taking strides to do something about it.
Although news of a "plastic apocalypse" seems dire, there are some encouraging signs that, if action is taken, the world can kick its plastic habit.
Take Germany for example. Plastic bag use in there has fallen by 64% since 2015. But according to Germany's Environment Minister Svenja Schulze says that just isn't enough.
The Schulze says that she plans to introduce a new law that will make plastic bags illegal altogether.With our environment at stake, you would think that others would jump on the idea without a thought. Unfortunately, some very powerful German politicians don't seem too keen on an all-out plastic bag ban. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, the head of the ruling Christian Democrats, who is likely to be the next German Chancellor said she prefers a voluntary approach, meaning letting businesses decide whether or not they will reduce plastic use on their own.
It is obvious how well that plan would work out. Businesses, whether in the US or Germany will always do what's best for their bottom line. And that means to continue to use plastic until they are forced to give it up. Germany has a chance to crack down on the environmental disaster that is plastic. They should jump at it by supporting Minister Schulze upcoming proposal to ban bags now.
Sign the petition and tell the German government you want them to #banthebag. Tell them to pass the plastic bag ban now. 