Governments around the world are investing capital to push for an end to plastic straws and bags. Businesses are turning to paper products as a choice. Paper is considered by many to be better than plastic. However, it is harmful to the environment, too. Customers are becoming aware of its negative effects.
世界各国政府都正在投入资金，以推动终止塑料吸管和塑料袋的使用。企业正转向纸制品作为替代选择。许多人认为纸制品比塑料制品更好。然而，纸制品其实也对环境有害。消费者正逐渐意识到纸制品的负面影响。
Firstly, paper products are made from trees. Trees can reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, which slows down climate change. An increase in the use of paper bags is responsible for more acts of cutting down trees.
首先，纸制品由树木制成。树木能减少大气中的二氧化碳含量，从而减缓气候变化。纸袋使用量的增加会导致更多砍伐树木的行为。
Secondly, paper products require more energy and water. Saving energy and water by recycling seems to be a good idea. However, the recycling process takes even more energy and water than to make a brand new paper bag. So cooperating with recycling programmes will not always be an effective solution.
其次，纸制品会消耗更多的能源和水。通过回收利用来节能和节水似乎是个好主意。然而，回收过程所需的能源和水资源甚至比制作一个全新的纸袋还要多。所以，与回收项目合作并不总是有效的解决方案。
Thirdly, paper products are heavier than plastic ones, so they require more oil to transport. Seven trucks are needed to transport two million paper bags, while only one truck is needed to transport the same number of plastic bags, so the price of transporting paper products can be expensive. The increased weight also leads to a large amount of waste once the bags are thrown away.
第三，纸制品比塑料制品重，因此运输它们需要消耗更多的石油。运输两百万个纸袋需要七辆卡车，而运输相同数量的塑料袋只需要一辆卡车，所以运输纸制品的价格会很高。重量的增加也意味着这些袋子一旦被扔掉，就会产生大量的废弃物。
The most environment-friendly solution is to avoid single-use products altogether. Anyone can contribute by using products like glass water bottles and steel straws. They are convenient and can be used over and over again.
最环保的解决方案是完全避免使用一次性用品。任何人都可以通过使用玻璃水瓶和钢制吸管等产品来贡献自己的力量。它们既方便又可以重复使用。