Counterpoint: Single-use plastic bans make no sense

For an alternate viewpoint, see “Point: Why We Should Ban Single-Use Plastics.”

Nobody wants plastic pollution. That doesn’t mean poorly considered and heavy-handed governmental actions are the solution. This includes misguided single-use plastic bans (e.g., bans on plastic straws and single-use plastic bags).

The primary concern regarding plastic pollution is ocean plastic pollution. Plastic in our oceans can persist indefinitely, causing harm to marine life. Further, the amount of plastic in the ocean is increasing.

To what extent do American consumers contribute to this problem? According to the nonprofit OpenOceans Global, “The U.S. directly contributes less than 1 percent of plastic to the world’s oceans.” The problem is primarily coming from Asia, which accounts for more than 80