2 . Around the world, people are realizing the significant problems caused by plastic waste. In the last 65 years, we have become increasingly dependent on plastic. It’s easy to understand why: it’s cheap to produce, light—therefore easy and cheap to transport—and incredibly strong and durable.     1     The microplastics that result from these processes are harmful to the environment. It is also very difficult to recycle; in fact currently only 9% of all the plastic produced has been recycled.

One popular solution to the problem is to ban single-use plastic. In the UK, shoppers are encouraged to make more environmentally-friendly choices in packing and transporting their food. A tax has already been placed on plastic carrier bags, which has cut their use by 90%.     2     Some governments have even promised to ban the use of single-use plastic altogether in the not-too-distant future.

Such plans are well-intentioned, but may not be helpful in getting rid of the use of single-use plastic altogether.     3     This is not just because of its low cost. It’s also because, by using dishes, phials (小药瓶) and so on just once, infection and cross-contamination (交叉污染) are minimized. Plastic packaging is also important in the food industry, as it ensures that food is safe for consumers.

Another issue is that alternative(可供替代的) materials are often more environmentally harmful than plastic. Take paper bags, for example.     4     The process requires cutting trees, the emission of greenhouse gases and the production of poisonous chemical waste. Even more pollution is created when paper bags break down.

Clearly there is a need to reduce plastic waste and its impact on the environment.     5     Industries that rely on single-use plastic for people’s health and safety must be considered. Moreover, alternative materials must be evaluated strictly regarding their own environmental impact.