Reread the prompt and response below. Then, revise the response so that it better addresses the purpose and audience.
Passage
Prompt:
Your city is considering whether to implement a ban on all single-use plastic bags. Write a letter to your city newspaper that fairly presents both sides of the policy so that citizens are better informed and can decide whether to support the policy.
Response:
The city should implement a plastic bag ban because it would deter people from thoughtlessly using disposable bags that are harmful to the environment. Every year hundreds of millions of bags end up in the Atlantic Ocean, causing harm to countless marine species. The problem is, many plastic bags contain lead, which is toxic to animal life. A common argument against the banning of plastic bags is that they are easy to recycle, and therefore not harmful to the environment, but come on, are people actually recycling them? Not really. There's a study that said only about 12 percent of them were recycled. The rest are being tossed out, which is no good for the oceans.
Dear Editor,
I am writing to present both sides of the policy regarding a potential ban on all single-use plastic bags in our city. This issue has gained increasing attention and it is essential that citizens are well-informed before deciding whether to support the policy.
Proponents of the plastic bag ban emphasize the environmental benefits that would result from such a policy. It is estimated that hundreds of millions of bags end up in our oceans annually, putting marine species at risk. Many plastic bags contain traces of lead, which is toxic to animal life. The ban would deter people from thoughtlessly using disposable bags that are harmful to the environment and encourage individuals to adopt more sustainable alternatives like reusable bags.
On the other hand, opponents of the ban argue that plastic bags are easy to recycle and therefore not as harmful to the environment as often portrayed. They point out that with proper recycling and disposal, single-use plastic bags could potentially have a smaller environmental impact compared to other alternatives. However, studies have shown that only around 12% of single-use plastic bags are currently being recycled, indicating that there might be potential for improvements in recycling rates if an outright ban is not implemented.
It is crucial that citizens take into account both perspectives on this issue before making a decision. The environmental benefits of the ban must be balanced with the desire for convenience that plastic bags provide and the potential for increased recycling rates. This policy debate should serve as a platform to foster informed discussions, enabling our city to make a well-rounded decision for the betterment of our community and environment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]