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Source Evaluation on

Saying No to Plastic Bags: A Vital Step Towards Environmental Restoration

Tri Burton

Sophia Learning

English Composition II- Touchstone 2.1

September 9, 2023
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Source Evaluation on

"Saying No to Plastic Bags: A Vital Step Towards Environmental Restoration"

Introduction

In my research paper titled "Saying No to Plastic Bags: A Vital Step Towards

Environmental Restoration," I have selected the source "The sustainability series: the plastics

problem - investigating socio-economic dimensions of plastic pollution" written by Uehara et al.

in 2023. This source was published on May 23, 2023, and I found it on the website Frontiers in

Sustainability. The authors, including Dr. Takuro Uehara, a distinguished professor at the

College of Policy Science, Ritsumeikan University in Ibaraki, Japan, provide valuable insights

into the socio-economic aspects of plastic pollution, making it an important resource to support

my argument.

Credibility

To establish the credibility of this source, I delved into the background of the authors and

the platform where it was published. Dr. Uehara, with his expertise in social-ecological systems

and dynamic ecological economics, has published extensively on topics such as plastic waste,

ecosystem services, and sustainability assessment of coastal zones. With 51 total publications,

including respected journals like Ecosystem Services, Ecology and Society, Ecological

Economics, and Sustainability Science, Dr. Uehara's credentials make him a reputable source for

understanding and addressing plastic waste-related issues.

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The article by Uehara et al. investigates the effectiveness of interventions to induce

behavioral change in plastic waste separation (Uehara et al., 2023, p. 2). The study focuses on

college students and their understanding of correct sorting rules for plastic waste on campus. The

authors reveal that lack of knowledge or misunderstandings about the rules lead to non-

compliance, especially when the rules vary across different cities or municipalities. Proper

segregation of plastic waste is crucial for its reuse and recycling during disposal. Using a method

combining "before-after" and "treatment-control" designs, the study demonstrates that

knowledge of the rules significantly improves plastic waste separation behavior. Prior to learning

the separation rules, only 12.8% of individuals followed them correctly. However, after learning

the rules, this percentage tripled, indicating a positive impact (Uehara et al., 2023, p. 2).

Usefulness

This source serves a crucial role in my research paper as it explores the socio-economic

dimensions of plastic pollution, offering a unique perspective on the issue. It sheds light on the

consequences of plastic pollution from both a societal and economic standpoint. The research

conducted by Uehara et al. provides valuable insights that will strengthen my arguments

regarding the negative impact of plastic bags on the environment and the need for their ban. The

findings from the study will allow me to present well-grounded evidence to support my points

and address counter-claims effectively.

Conclusion

"The sustainability series: the plastics problem - investigating socio-economic

dimensions of plastic pollution" by Uehara et al. is a highly credible and valuable source for my
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research paper. Dr. Uehara's expertise and extensive publication record enhance the source's

credibility, while his specific study on plastic waste separation provides useful insights for my

argument. The research findings from this source contribute to the importance of saying no to

plastic bags for environmental restoration. By incorporating this source, I can strengthen my

arguments and provide solid evidence to support the urgency of banning plastic bags.

Reference:

Uehara, T., Cordier, M., Baztan, J., Jorgensen, B., (2023). Editorial: The sustainability series: the

plastics problem – investigating socio-economic dimensions of plastic pollution. Front.

Sustain. 4:1209626. doi: 10.3389/frsus.2023.1209626

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frsus.2023.1209626/full
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Purkiss, D., Allision, A., Lorencatto, F., Michie, S., Miodownik, M., (2022). The Big Compost

Experiment: Using citizen science to assess the impact and effectiveness of

biodegradable and compostable plastics in Uk home composting. Front. Sustain

3:942724. Doi 10.3389/frsus.2022.942724

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frsus.2022.942724/full

UNEP, (2023, March 30). First International Day of Zero Waste bolsters action to address

global pollution crisis.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frsus.2022.942724/full

UNEP, (2023, April 25). Everything you need to know about plastic pollution.

https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/everything-you-need-know-about-plastic-

pollution