As of January 1^st, 2019, New York banned the use of foam and plastic. This includes things such as food packaging in restaurants and the packing of peanuts. The ban on selling and distribution of plastic bags and straws also went into effect. Paper will be the safer alternative since it contributes to the preservation of our planet.

How much does plastic actually affect the Earth? Well, one effect it does have is water pollution. Plastic is able to release harmful chemicals into the soil or directly into a water source. This is dangerous to whichever species depends on water to survive. Every year, about 380 million tons of plastic is produced worldwide! There are certain bacteria that help speed up the process of de-composure since the plastic is resistant to most natural processes of degradation. This process leads to the plastic releasing a greenhouse gas known as methane which further contributes to the existing issue of global warming. In other words, we’re creating more plastic than there is time to decompose it.

Start the conversation! What do you think? Should more states emulate New York and ban the usage of plastic and foam? Even though it may be an adjustment, we have the ‘health’ of our planet to think about and preserve.