By: Lauren Viviani

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to have a bunch of trash in your home? Much of the marine life has to deal with a ton of plastic all over their home. Some people may never think of that when they are using plastic. The debate between having reusable items and single-use plastic is currently contentious.

For those who want to or already mostly use reusable items, they have good reason to do so. The kind of plastic that is made into straws, plastic cups, and similar items does not biodegrade. These items mostly end up in the sea instead of in the landfill.

Kara Holsopple, who is an environmental journalist from the Allegheny Front, spoke on the issue. “Many plastics are made from fossil fuels and some may say that it is just an excuse to use fossil fuels.” said Kara. This is a reason some people may use reusable items because fossil fuels are leading to climate change.

Some places and businesses have even banned single-use plastics. Hawaii banned them since they are surrounded by the ocean. While in Pittsburgh, people may not know the environmental issues of single-use plastic due to where we live. There are plenty of alternative items to use instead of plastic. Some reusable items are metal and biodegradable straws, green shopping bags, Tupperware, as well as glass and metal bottles.

Others still use plastic and non-reusable items. Those who have not changed have their own side of the debate. Some may say that it is an inconvenience and difficult to carry all the reusable items around. For some it is a chore of having to take a straw with them and then ask for no straw, use it, put it back, and then clean it when they get home. Some straws do not fold up so it would be hard to fit it somewhere. Some straws, like ones made of paper, slowly dissolve, losing suction the longer they are in the drink.

Although, there are people that are in between that sometimes use plastic and other times have reusable items, Melina Tripoli who is a student says “I don’t like to use plastic when I’m at home, but when I’m out it’s a lot harder.”

In the future, people will hopefully use more reusable items, and use less of the plastics that never biodegrade.