Pennsylvanians use almost 4.6 billion plastic bags every year, and each bag typically only has a lifespan of 20 to 30 minutes, or the time it takes to drive home from the store. It is high time for Pittsburgh to ban the use of single-use plastic bags or, at the minimum, implement strategies to discourage their use.
Plastic bags are not easily recycled and are a common source of pollution. Plastic is produced from crude oil, so the continued use of plastics can contribute to the global release of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
There are already 10 states in the U.S. that have banned the use of single-use plastics, and they have seen a dramatic decrease in pollution because of this policy. By banning the use of plastic bags, Pittsburgh can lead the movement for the rest of our state in becoming more environmentally conscious.
Ellie Falk
Sewickley
The writer is a senior at Lehigh University studying mechanical engineering and environmental science.