AS World Earth Day was celebrated recently, the Penang Consumer Association (CAP) has called for a ban on the use of single-use plastic.
The theme for this year's World Earth Day is "Planet vs Plastic", so we need to work together and combat one of the greatest environmental challenges to save Earth.
Malaysians have a habit of asking more single-use or disposable plastic from markets and hawker stalls, as well as using disposable plastic utilities, such as cups, straws, cutlery and water bottles in most events, including gatherings, festivals and parties.
In 2016, the average Malaysian used 300 plastic bags a year. Single-use plastics have caused many small and large ecological and environmental issues.
Eliminating single-use plastics is necessary to reduce the amount of waste and pollution.
Single-use plastic refers to plastic packaging that cannot be reused and may or may not be recycled depending on the type of plastic material, hence the name.
Among single-use plastic items are straws, plastic cutlery, plastic shopping bags, disposable plastic lids for hot drinks, plastic water bottles, takeaway boxes and drink cups and packed food.
Plastics are not biodegradable; they just slowly turn into microplastics.
Not only does it pose a danger to marine life, they release toxic chemicals that migrate into the atmosphere, plant life and animal tissue.
It's time to own up, take action and change. Do not use plastic shopping bags. Instead use cloth or paper bags for shopping.
Take a tea or coffee flask to work, and use a coffee shop that provides reusable disposable cups.
Don't buy plastic water bottles. Never buy plastic straws, buy paper ones instead. Refuse them if offered.
We should live a life that involves using only recycled materials as much as possible.
N.V. SUBBAROW
Senior education officer
Penang Consumers Association
