A simple, low-cost proposal to reduce pollution
How’s this for simple and effective: Require all single-use items to carry a message that they pollute. I’m not sure the best wording, but something like:
Short version:
This object pollutes and is unnecessary. Please reuse durable alternatives.
Long version:
This object pollutes and is unnecessary. Making it created greenhouse gases and depletes resources. Disposing of it poisons our food supply. It may take centuries to break down. Using it makes you responsible. Please reuse durable alternatives.
The messages don’t mandate behavior, so it’s not a nanny-state action. It provides information to make the market more transparent and companies more accountable. Nations around the world do it with tobacco, nicotine, and alcohol.
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