In the last few years, environmental sustainability and protection has been an issue of concern. The rise of environmental groups has been significant and it appears that their unwavering efforts to environmental protection are currently bearing tangible fruits. Recycling has been the order of the day, not only in homes but also in the world of business. Most of the efforts seem to be geared towards dealing with plastic waste as a major problem facing the country.
The United States seems to be lagging behind both in legislation and the implementation of policies governing the use of plastic in the country. The fact that some developing countries in Africa and Asia have legislation governing the use and reuse of plastics is a clear indication of how the United States has much ground to cover. However, concerning the current trends, everything seems to be taking a new focus on sustainability and environmental protection.
For many years, the issue of environmental protection and sustainability has been solely bestowed to the government of the day. Concerning the current rules and regulations, federal, state, and even the local authorities have been bestowed with the responsibility of ensuring that maximum attention is given to the environment. However, it appears that the responsibility of taking care of the environment is becoming too much for the government to handle. By all indications, a new partner is likely to be introduced into the new order.
Two Democrats are currently planning to introduce federal legislation in Congress. The new legislation is geared towards shifting the current responsibility to the companies and industries that have been producing plastic and other related products. This is consistent with what has been happening in other countries around the world. There have been outcries in the country that the government, on behalf of the people of the United States, has been taking responsibility for the role that needs to have been transferred to the concerned companies many years ago.
Representative Alan Lowenthal of California and Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico are the two Democrats behind the new legislation. The new federal legislation is an aggressive and a sweeping attempt that is geared towards holding the beverage makers and the plastic industry financially responsible for dealing with plastic waste that is affecting the world. These are the companies that create this waste, and as such, they should take responsibility for their actions. However, everything remains to be seen as to whether the new legislation will see right off the day.
