Banning plastic packaging hurts more than it helps

Outright bans on plastics have an overall negative effect on the environment, and recycling initiatives make for better solutions, according to an Independent Institute report.

As climate change becomes a larger political issue, more consideration is being given to bans on plastic products. France became the first country in 2016 to ban plastic plates and cups. The entire European Union is currently working to ban single-use plastic products among its members. More than 100 U.S. cities and counties have enacted ordinances that ban or restrict the use of plastic foam containers, packaging materials and utensils. Bans are the most “effective” way to combat plastic pollution, a Tuesday report by the United Nations stated.

However, a new report by the Independent Institute is calling into question the validity of this popular perception.

The Oakland-based think tank recently published “Plastic Pollution: Bans vs Recycling Solutions,” an analysis on the effectiveness of plastic bans. The study determined the negative environmental consequences of such bans outweigh the benefits. For example, paper substitutes to polystyrene products typically produce more waste, causing greater water and air pollution.

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