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The use of single use plastics, things like straws, bags, and bottles, has become a health concern. Sarah Morath, with The University of Houston Law Center, researches environmental law and has looked into this issue.
"Plastics negatively impact the environment and eventually affect humans," Professor Morath said. "With only 9% of plastics recycled, an enormous amount of it has seeped into soil, fish, and air, posing a threat to animals and human health."
"The Texas Supreme Court recently struck down a plastic bag ban imposed by the city of Laredo," Morath continued. "In determining that the city ordinance was preempted, the court also effectively invalidated similar ordinances in the rest of the state. In its decision, the court urged the Texas legislature to address plastic pollution. In the meantime, many businesses and retailers are taking matters into their own hands by phasing out the use of single use plastics."
