1. Lower cleanup coats for governments and cities.
2. Social
2.1. Public behavior and action
2.1.1. United States
2.1.1.1. Reasearch done at the (world wild life fund) shows the growing frustration among the public due to the single-use plastics despite awareness of their environmental harm
2.1.1.1.1. Results are predicted to show 71% of Americans wanting less plastic use and ever growing frustration of platstic pollution
2.1.1.2. The study’s show that 86% of Americans support the transition to a recycling and more eco friendly economy. The article also specify’s that 68% of the public thinks that plastic producing companies should help fund the recycling systems.
2.1.1.2.1. A solution that could make a true impact would be the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), It screams the need for communal efforts among consumers, governments, and businesses.
2.1.2. Durban, South africa
2.1.2.1. A survey done in Durban revealed that many beach goers are aware of plastic pollution because community concern is off the charts. The survey results point towards a Container Deposit System and a plastic bag ban will be helpful actions.
2.1.2.1.1. High levels of community support for local clean-up events and sustainability programs are needed for a push to move forward with the movement
2.1.2.2. results imply that successful alternatives need to be publicized and policy efforts should be made.
2.1.2.2.1. Locals advocate for measures that reduce plastic waste and protect the environment
2.1.3. Austrialia
2.1.3.1. 80% of Australians want to reduce plastics (Dilkes-Hoffman et al., 2019). This is a positive attitude toward reduction of microplastics—especially since so many plastics are headed for ocean disposal and landfills
2.1.3.2. The Australian government and industry have been pointed to when it comes to having a great role when it comes to their responsibility relating to plastic waste.
2.1.3.2.1. Yet their supposed “determination” does not mean action. For instance, the journal discusses how Australians would choose paper and glass over any other disposable alternative, yet this does not translate into purchases
3. Political
3.1. National policies
3.1.1. Marine Life Threat Policies:
3.1.1.1. In order to resolve this, politically, government bodies have passed many laws including restrictions of fishing and the use of certain plastic bags in grocery stores.
3.1.1.1.1. The banning of bags enables a reduction in pollution, less wildlife harm, and lower carbon footprint.
3.1.1.1.2. Reduction in Landfill usage.
3.1.1.1.3. Governmental beach grants (over. $226 million)
3.1.1.2. Beach Cleanups have been promoted throughout cities and many are encouraged to participate in them.
3.1.2. Eco system Disruption:
3.2. Industry Regulations
3.2.1. Plastic Useage ban
3.2.1.1. Complete Bans; many countries have banned the use of specific bans
3.2.1.1.1. Economic downturn on plastic bag companies throughout the industry.
3.2.2. Charge for Plastic Bags
3.2.3. More clarity in products/materials used by plastic bag industries.
3.3. Global Commitments
3.3.1. Trust in Scientific Research
3.3.2. Civic Engagment and Advocacy
3.3.2.1. Beach cleanups are promoted more
3.3.2.2. Consumers have cheaper purchasing prices.
4. Economic
4.1. Retail Industry
4.1.1. ~6% decrease in sales in areas with an implemented plastic ban (Los Angeles County)
4.1.1.1. Stores without the ban faced a ~9% increase in sales
4.1.2. Loss of over $4 Billion per year from profit
4.1.3. Consumers are forced to switch to different alternatives such as reusable bags, cotton bags, or recyclable paper bag
4.1.3.1. Overall with a higher cost for production and to the consumer
4.2. Plastic Manufacturing Industry
4.2.1. Limits production on plastic bags
4.2.1.1. Moves production to different companies who can afford to manufacture different forms of bags
4.2.1.1.1. Singles out wealthier companies who can afford production
4.3. Jobs
4.3.1. Less retail workers are needed
4.3.1.1. Removes bagging part of many businesses
4.3.2. Less revenue prevents new workers from being hired
4.3.3. Manufacturing jobs who develop bags will be lost
5. Environmental
5.1. Pollution
5.1.1. Damages Environment
5.1.1.1. The production has a negative impact on the environment and agriculture
5.1.2. Produced in factories
5.2. Materials
5.2.1. Not Reusable
5.2.2. Better Alternatives
5.2.2.1. Countries have banned plastic bags due to public concern over the serious negative impact on the environment and agriculture damage it can/does cause
5.3. Global Warming
5.3.1. Affect of plastic production
5.3.2. Wears planet away
5.4. Plastic Film Mulching
5.4.1. Emits harmful greenhouse gas
5.4.1.1. “The additional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the film manufacturing industry and from waste disposal processes have not been properly considered.”