IELTS Writing Task 2: Banning plastic

Single-use plastic products, such as bags, bottles and straws, have become a major environmental problem. I largely agree that governments should ban them, provided that affordable alternatives are available and that exceptions are made where plastic is genuinely necessary.

The main reason to support a ban is the enormous damage that plastic waste causes. Millions of tonnes end up in the oceans every year, where they harm marine animals that swallow them or become trapped in them. Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down, and tiny particles have now been found in drinking water and in the human body. Because single-use items are used for only a few minutes before being thrown away, they are among the easiest types of waste to eliminate. Experience shows that government action works: when countries such as Kenya and Rwanda banned plastic bags, their streets and waterways became noticeably cleaner.

Opponents argue that bans are inconvenient and can increase costs for businesses and consumers. They also point out that some alternatives, such as paper bags, have their own environmental costs. In addition, some disabled people rely on plastic straws, because other types are not suitable for them. These concerns are valid, but they can be addressed. Bans can be introduced gradually, giving businesses time to adapt, and exceptions can be made for medical and accessibility needs. Reusable products, such as cloth bags and refillable bottles, are also cheaper in the long run.

In conclusion, I agree that governments should ban most single-use plastic products, because the environmental damage is severe and the alternatives are widely available. Careful planning and sensible exceptions can reduce the disadvantages of such bans.