Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 17 to 24.

Is Banning Single-Use Plastic the Right Option?

In recent years, people worldwide have become more aware of the serious environmental problems caused by plastic waste. Over the past 65 years, plastic has become widely used because it is cheap, lightweight, and durable. While these advantages make plastic extremely convenient in everyday life, they also contribute to long-term environmental damage that is difficult to reverse.

One major problem is that plastic does not biodegrade. Instead, it breaks down into microplastics, which harm wildlife and ecosystems and have been found in food chains and water sources. Recycling is also ineffective, as only about 9% of plastic has ever been recycled, with most ending up in landfills or being burned.

To reduce plastic waste, many governments have introduced measures targeting single-use plastics. In the UK, taxes on plastic bags and plastic-free supermarket aisles have successfully lowered plastic use. Other actions include banning plastic straws and charging for disposable coffee cups. Countries such as Canada and India have even announced plans to ban single-use plastics entirely.

However, eliminating single-use plastic entirely may not be practical or beneficial in all situations. In healthcare, disposable plastic items like gloves and syringes are essential for hygiene and safety. Plastic packaging also helps preserve food, while bottled water remains crucial during emergencies and in poorer regions.

Additionally, alternatives are not always environmentally friendly. Producing paper bags, for example, often requires more energy and creates more pollution than plastic bags. Other options, like aluminum, glass, card or cotton, similarly have environmental issues of their own.

In conclusion, reducing plastic waste is essential, but banning all single-use plastics may not be the best solution. Investing in better recycling technology and developing plastics that can be easily reused or broken down may offer a more effective long-term approach.

(Adapted from https://test-english.com)

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