Green groups campaign against the use of plastic straws

They report that plastic straws are used only for a few minutes and can take 150 years to decompose. The plastic manufacturers defend them.

While plastic straws were created to reduce the spread of diseases in warehouses where products are stored, or to help people with physical disabilities, they became the target of various environmental movements in countries such as the United States , Australia, England and Spain.

Strong campaigns have already been launched in social networks to reduce or even ban their use, and they report that with only a few minutes of use, it can take 150 years to decompose and generate an irreparable effect on the oceans and their fauna.

In Argentina, environmental organizations also begin to denounce the ecological consequences of sherbet. The Surfrider Foundation campaigns to reduce the plastic footprint on the beaches of Mar del Plata and warns that along with the plastic straws, the shores are usually invaded by disposable bottles and bottles.

Gustavo Huici, its executive director, says: The biggest danger is that animals confuse sherbet with food, or they get hooked and eventually die. For Huici, the solution is not to prohibit the use of straw, but to replace its material. We propose to make them with waxed board because plastic has really negative effects, he says.

According to data from Greenpeace Argentina, there are currently 12.7 million tons of plastic that end in the oceans each year, and estimate that by 2020 will be used 900% more plastic than in 1980

Maria Ana Ventura, sustainability specialist, warns: The specific problem of sherbets is that, because of their light and small dimensions, very few end up going to recycling.

In the City of Buenos Aires, the discussion on the rational use of plastic appeared strongly when, as of January 1 of this year, Resolution 341/16 of the Environmental Protection Agency came into force, which prohibited the delivery Of light plastic bags in supermarkets, hypermarkets and self-consumptions. It was a measure questioned by the plastic industry and, at first, by a part of the consumers, but it became the kick-off to open the debate on how to reduce the consumption of plastic.

Although in Argentina, measures have not yet been taken with sorbets, sources from the Ministry of Environment and Public Space of Buenos Aires said they are working to reduce the use of plastics and, as with the bags, will continue to promote this Type of policies with different recyclable materials.

More information: Diario Perfil