In many countries, plastic containers have become more common than ever and are used by many food and drink companies. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Sample 1:

Plastic containers and cutleries are becoming a ubiquitous part of the eating-out experience. However, I do think that the disadvantages of using plastic in the food and drink industries outweigh the advantages of doing so.  

On the one hand, using plastic is convenient for both street vendors and consumers. Most plastic containers can be discarded after a single use, eliminating the need to wash them. Moreover, plastic does not break easily in contrast to glass containers, making them easier to carry around. Another reason is that plastic containers and cutleries are dirt cheap to produce. Because the materials needed to synthesize plastics are readily available, most plastic containers are at a lower price than their alternatives, especially in bulk.

On the other hand, however, using plastics to store food can pose both a health and an environmental risk. Firstly, most plastic containers end up in the ocean, which will damage marine life. Fish can swallow these plastic cutleries, cannot digest them, and thus die. Plastic is also detrimental to landfills as they decompose relatively slowly, leading to landfill overloads. Secondly, consuming food and drinks using plastic can be harmful. Plastics are known to melt and release toxic compounds when heated, so they should not be used to store hot foods. Another concern is that some plastics contain carcinogens. This means that consumers are at a higher risk of developing cancer.  

In conclusion, convenience and low prices are reasons why people use plastics to store food and drinks. However, I think that the disadvantages of plastic to the environment and consumers’ health far outweigh the advantages of plastics.

Sample 2:

The use of plastic containers has become more and more common over the last few decades, particularly in the food and beverage industry. Personally, I think that the drawbacks of plastic use far outweigh any benefits it may bring.

The two main advantages of plastic packaging are the cost and convenience. Single-use plastic packaging, such as cups and containers used in the food and beverage industry, are generally very cheap to manufacture, and this helps to keep the cost of take-away products affordable for consumers. Single-use plastic packaging is also very convenient. These days, most people often have very busy schedules and are always on the go, and quite often need to buy take-away food and drinks. Plastic containers allow people to maintain their busy lives and demanding schedules while generally being able to eat and drink what they please.

However, the costs and conveniences of single-use plastic packaging are far outweighed by the long-term destruction it causes to the environment and to people’s health. Nowadays, many countries around the world are facing a plastic pollution crisis, with oceans, rivers, and landfills full of unrecyclable plastic waste which takes hundreds and thousands of years to break down. Meanwhile, millions of aquatic animals are dying every year from ingesting plastic waste floating in the planet’s waterways, while millions of people around the world are suffering the health effects of breathing in toxic fumes from the burning of plastic waste.

In conclusion, the effect that plastic packaging is having on the planet is devastating, and unnecessary. For a tiny extra cost, businesses could move to using packaging made from recyclable or biodegradable materials. Furthermore, individuals can start to make a habit of carrying their own reusable containers, such as reusable coffee cups.

Sample 3:

Using plastic containers for various food products has become ubiquitous in recent decades. Though this has potential drawbacks for the environment, I believe it does not outweigh the benefits to businesses and individuals.

The environmental cost of disposable plastic containers is massive. Before plastics, foods and drinks were typically put into biodegradable, eco-friendly paper or cardboard. The arrival of plastics has impacted the environment on two major fronts. Firstly, plastic itself is a fossil fuel byproduct that requires crude oil for its production and later transportation. The emissions from fossil fuels are often cited as the chief contributor to the hastening of climate change. Moreover, the containers themselves either find their way to landfills, polluting previously pristine land, or end up in the ocean, forming ‘land masses’ that are injurious to marine life.

Nonetheless, the concomitant problems of plastic containers listed above do not override their usefulness. For companies, using plastic containers is cheap and allows for uniform consistency. This is the reason why they have been adopted by companies ranging from fast food giants like McDonald’s to local grocery chains. This savings is then passed on to the consumer who enjoys cheaper prices and the many conveniences of plastic containers. They are less likely to rip open and spill compared with paper and most families make use of them afterwards for leftover food. If plastic containers for food items were banned not only would people lose these conveniences, but many companies would have to radically alter their packaging, and potentially, products themselves.

In conclusion, the environmental impact of plastic containers does little to undermine their value for both corporations and the average customer. It is instead important to explore innovations to make plastics more environmentally friendly.

Sample 4:

In the contemporary era, the ubiquity of plastic containers has surged unprecedentedly, becoming the packaging material of choice for myriad food and beverage companies globally. This essay posits that, despite their convenience and cost-effectiveness, the disadvantages of this trend significantly outweigh the advantages. The ensuing paragraphs will delve into the environmental repercussions and health concerns associated with plastic use, alongside a brief exploration of their benefits.

The primary advantage of plastic containers, undeniably, lies in their unparalleled convenience and economic feasibility. Their lightweight nature and durability make transportation and storage exceedingly efficient, offering substantial cost savings for businesses. Moreover, plastic's versatility allows for the creation of containers in various shapes and sizes, catering to a wide range of products. This adaptability, combined with the ability to preserve the freshness of food and drinks, underscores the rationale behind their pervasive adoption.

However, the environmental toll of this convenience is both profound and far-reaching. Plastic containers, which have become more common than ever before, contribute significantly to global pollution, with millions of tons ending up in landfills and oceans annually. The non-biodegradable nature of most plastics means they persist in the environment for centuries, causing harm to marine life and ecosystems. Furthermore, the production process of plastic emits large quantities of greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change. These environmental impacts present a formidable challenge, overshadowing the benefits plastic containers offer.

Besides environmental concerns, the health implications associated with the chemicals in plastics, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), cannot be overlooked. Studies suggest that these substances can leach into food and beverages, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances and increased cancer risk among consumers. This risk factor adds another layer to the disadvantages of plastic containers, urging a reevaluation of their widespread use.

In conclusion, while plastic containers have become more common than ever before, offering undeniable benefits to the food and beverage industry, the environmental and health ramifications present a compelling case against their continued dominance. The need for sustainable alternatives has never been more critical, as the long-term well-being of our planet and its inhabitants hangs in the balance.

Sample 5:

The proliferation of plastic containers in the modern food and beverage industry represents a critical juncture in our global consumption patterns. This essay contends that the drawbacks of this trend significantly overshadow its benefits, particularly when considering environmental sustainability and health implications. Through an in-depth analysis, it will highlight the detrimental effects of widespread plastic use against its convenience and economic advantages.

On one hand, plastic containers offer undeniable utility. Their prevalence, underscored by the fact that they have become more common than ever before, is largely attributed to their lightweight nature and cost-effectiveness. These attributes not only reduce transportation costs but also enhance the shelf life of products, thereby minimizing food waste. Moreover, the adaptability of plastics allows for innovative packaging designs, meeting diverse consumer needs with unparalleled efficiency. This convenience factor has undeniably contributed to the global surge in their utilization.

However, the environmental degradation wrought by this surge cannot be overstated. The enduring presence of plastics, a testament to their non-biodegradability, poses a severe threat to natural ecosystems. The alarming rate at which plastic containers are discarded leads to significant pollution, affecting terrestrial and marine life alike. Furthermore, the manufacturing of plastics is energy-intensive, releasing substantial quantities of carbon emissions that exacerbate the climate crisis. These environmental consequences reveal a glaring discrepancy between short-term convenience and long-term ecological health.

Additionally, the potential health hazards linked to chemical leachates from plastic containers have ignited widespread concern. Compounds such as BPA, known to disrupt endocrine function, underscore the hidden costs of convenience, revealing a troubling aspect of our dependency on plastics. The cumulative effect of such exposure raises serious questions about the safety of our daily consumption habits.

In conclusion, while the prevalence of plastic containers has indeed become more common than ever before, facilitating numerous practical advantages, the environmental and health risks they engender demand urgent attention. The evidence presented underlines the necessity for a paradigm shift towards sustainable alternatives, challenging both consumers and industries to reconsider the true cost of convenience. Achieving such a transition is imperative for the preservation of our planet and the well-being of future generations.

Sample 6:

Across various nations, plastic containers have become more common than ever before, and this increasing prevalence has sparked a debate on these items’ merits and demerits. While these containers offer undeniable convenience and affordability, their environmental impact casts a long shadow over these benefits. In this essay, I argue that the environmental costs of plastic containers far outweigh their advantages.

In the realm of practicality, plastic containers are unparalleled. Their lightweight nature and durability make them ideal for the modern, fast-paced lifestyle. For instance, a family on a picnic can easily pack and transport their meals in plastic containers, a convenience unavailable with heavier alternatives like glass or metal. Moreover, the cost-effectiveness of plastic packaging allows food businesses to minimize expenses, ostensibly reducing the cost for consumers. However, these surface-level advantages mask deeper, more concerning environmental consequences.

The environmental toll of plastic containers is both profound and lasting. These synthetic materials, primarily derived from non-renewable fossil fuels, pose a significant challenge in waste management. Unlike organic materials, plastics do not decompose naturally, leading to accumulation in landfills and oceans. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a colossal collection of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean, predominantly composed of plastics, stands as a testament to this burgeoning crisis. Furthermore, the production and disposal of plastic containers contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.

Additionally, plastic waste poses a severe threat to wildlife. Numerous marine species, such as sea turtles and seabirds, often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to fatal consequences. Recent studies have shown an alarming rate of plastic ingestion among these species, indicating a dire need for change.

In conclusion, the convenience and affordability of plastic containers are significantly outweighed by their lasting environmental impacts, from the accumulation of non-decomposable waste to the threat they pose to wildlife.

Sample 7:

It is often argued that a plethora of worldwide food and beverage firms have been increasingly using plastic in various stages of their production and distribution. While this is blamed for releasing toxic components in the environment, I strongly believe that the benefits plastic materials are offering in terms of cheaper prices and delivery comforts are convincingly outweighing the associated drawbacks.

On one hand, our reckless plastic usage is the root cause of the environmental degradation, which is resulting in animal extinction, because we are constantly introducing this non-biodegradable material which is contaminating our air and soil. This pollution is interfering with the metabolism of animals, especially the large-bodied animals and rare species are more prone to this scenario, and eventually they are falling into a vicious cycle of annihilation. A study conducted by the Ministry of Environment in Lebanon has revealed that more than 20% of the asthma, endocrine disruption and other animal diseases diagnosed in 2020 were directly linked to dangerous chemicals released from burned plastic in the air.

On the other hand, regardless of the environmental downside, there are some incredible benefits of using this amazing material as it makes our life easier with cheaper products and faster packaging. Resorting to plastic, a low-cost input, companies lower their production cost which has a knock-on effect on overall retail price, making our money more worthy. In addition, when it comes to packaging and handling the products, plastic is simply nonparallel to anything. Its malleable character allows enterprises to use it in their own discretion whether it is for a packaging or a delivery purpose. For instance, recently in the quarantine period of 2020-2021, both buyers and sellers needed fast and safe handling of food and other emergency items, which would have been almost impossible without the involvement of plastic.

In conclusion, to some extent, plastic might hamper the overall environment, yet it is very essential for both consumers and producers’ points of views. Therefore, I firmly believe that the advantages of this material will forever be more rewarding than its disadvantages.

Sample 8:

The development of plastic is one of the revolutionary achievements of mankind. Today, it has become an inevitable part of human life and is the most commonly used material for packing by the food and beverage industry in many parts of the world. Even though it is a highly versatile material, I believe the demerits of plastic usage overshadows its relative merits.

To begin with, plastic is a major contributing factor of environmental degradation. Unlike some materials, plastic is not biodegradable and therefore its discardment is a challenging task. Plastic when burnt can produce toxic fumes and on the other hand if they are thrown into open ground, it takes hundreds of years to breakdown. This would not only degrade the environment in the form of various pollutions but is also a dominant threat for many living organisms as there are chances of it being consumed leading to the death of many animals and birds. A recent survey underlined plastic ingestion as a major cause of death due to toxicity in porpoises.

Besides, many studies have revealed that consumption of food stored in plastic containers is hazardous to human health. This is because some of the industries use low quality plastic containers to store the food items and may also store it inappropriately under unfavorable conditions. As a result, the consumables stored inside may get contaminated with toxins and consumption of the same leads to many health issues and can even cause cancer. This is the main reason why many scientists discourage the use of plastic for food storage.

However, plastic is the only material which can be manufactured at low cost but at the same time offers high durability and versatility making it the most preferred material for packing in industries today in comparison to the other alternatives available.

To conclude, being the most preferred material in the industrial world today, plastic can be seen in every walk of life. Regardless of the benefits it offers, I strongly believe its usage should be minimized because of the risk it poses to the environment and human life.

Sample 9:

The use of plastic products has become prevalent in many parts of the world. Personally, I believe that the drawbacks of using plastic containers far outweigh the benefits.

Admittedly, plastic bags, bottles and cans provide benefits for both businesses and consumers. Plastic containers are very versatile; they can be used to wrap food and drinks so that these products can safely and conveniently be delivered to consumers or to supermarkets. People can make an order and sit in the comfort of the home or the office and eat their meals. Many workers buy coffee and drink it while travelling to their workplace. Plastic pots, cartons or cans therefore contribute to the rising demand of take-away food and drinks, which generates millions of dollars for companies in the industry and provides great convenience to customers.

Despite the economic benefits mentioned above, I believe that the use of plastic packaging has a greater impact on the environment. Plastic products are typically not biodegradable, and they will remain intact for a long time after being used. Many plastic containers break into tiny fragments due to the effects of temperature and moisture, and these will enter into the food chain after marine animals eat them. Over the last decade, scientists have reported alarming threats to fish and other marine creatures because they unwittingly swallow tiny plastic waste in the ocean and rivers. People will then catch such fish and eat it, which has harmful effects on their health.
In conclusion, despite some decided advantages of using plastic containers, I believe that environmental impacts are more worrying. It is now reaching a tipping point and the government must enact reforms to curb plastic use to protect the environment and human health.

Sample 10:

There is a growing trend toward the use of cheap and convenient materials such as plastics in the food and beverage sectors. Although this tendency bestows numerous benefits upon society, I believe that those plastic products take a heavy toll on the environment, all of which will be discussed in the section below.

To begin with, there are a host of compelling reasons why the use of plastic-based products is beneficial to some extent. One reason worth mentioning is that plastic bags appear economical for both consumers and producers because the cost of producing them is relatively low, which does not put a strain on a company’s coffers, thereby generating more income and profits for the entrepreneurs’ owners. Thus, employees could be paid a higher salary, leading to an improvement in their quality of life. More importantly, plastic is a durable and versatile material. Therefore, plastic containers would not normally take up much room and are easily discarded. For instance, it is more advantageous for consumers to hold millions of nylon bags and put them in trash bins after use, compared to bulky paper bags.

However, those aforementioned benefits pale in comparison with the dramatic disadvantages of using plastic-based products. Firstly, it is undoubtedly true that the mass consumption of plastic bags has caused long-lasting environmental pollution, which is the first and most serious issue. To be more specific, it may take hundreds of years for used plastic containers to be completely dissolved. Moreover, they pile up on the land and release toxic chemicals that severely contaminate oceans and soil. Secondly, the overuse of plastic does harm the whole ecosystem. For example, a vast majority of species have choked and swallowed particles and debris released deep into the ground and ocean, which disorders the animal’s digestive function and puts them on the verge of extinction.

All in all, the ubiquity of plastic containers indeed brings about convenience and flexibility. However, it seems to me that the downside of this tendency is more noteworthy than its upside.