Why Morocco Should Ban Plastic Bags

(MENAFN- Morocco World News) Some Moroccans have expressed their disapproval regarding the upcomingbanon plasticbags in Morocco, fearing a negative impact on the economy.

Regardless of its effect on the economy, thebanwill undoubtedly help reverse the environmental costs that the use ofplasticbags has incurred on the country.

Here are6reasonsas to whyplasticbagsshouldbebanned:

They harm animals

Plasticbags are light and therefore prone to flying away and landing in the sea, lakes, or rivers. Marine animals may then mistake themforjellyfish and ingest them, which obstructs their digestive system and leads to asphyxiation. Animals, such as birds, are also victims to becoming entangled inplastic.

They pollute the environment

Plasticbags are easily blown away by the wind and often land in oceans, forests, fences and other locations. Animals therefore often find they are becoming the victims of our carelessness. By ingesting, becoming entangled in, or having their habitat disrupted byplasticbags, animals are being harmed. The environment pays the price as well, since chemicals are released into the air and absorbed by the land.

They are not recycled

Recycling has not yet been implemented in Morocco, and to do so would be extremely expensive. According to the American organization Clean Air Council. A ton ofplasticbags costs $4,000 to recycle, but only costs $32 to purchase. Since they are not recycled in Morocco and are not biodegradable,plastic bags pile up in landfills and pollute the environment.

They harm humans

Plasticparticles absorb pollutants, which are then ingested by marine animals. Humans who eat fish are then prone to the absorption of the toxic chemicals. These chemicals may disrupt the proper functioning of hormones.

They do not break down easily

Plasticis not degradable and takes hundreds of years to be broken down into small particles by light. After a long period of disintegration, the toxic particles are then absorbed in land or spread to oceans, becoming a hazard to animals and humans.

They contribute to climate change

Because they use non-renewable resources such as natural gas and byproducts of petroleum such as polypropylene,plasticbags contribute to climate change. When these non-renewable resources are used to create these bags, certain greenhouse gases are released into the air and contribute to climate change.

Edited by Bryn Miller