Assignment task: Do you agree or disagree and explain why using the post below:
I learned that the precautionary principle is an attempt given the notion of precaution, to understand the form of addressing risk. According to (Sands and Peel, 2021) the core elements are the need for environmental protection, the presence of threat or risk of serious damage; and the fact that a lack of scientific certainty should not be used to avoid taking action to prevent that damage.
The first statement mentions that plastic bags are harmful to the environment, which I do agree with. Plastic bags in the environment can take up to 300 years to decompose. Plastic bags have a toxic substance that is released into the soil after being in the sun or if they are burned. Not only are humans affected but animals will get tangled and drown, or animals mistake a plastic bag for food which leads to their death. The statement also mentions that all new chemicals and technologies should be assumed to be harmful until proven otherwise. I would say I do agree with this because behind the principle are studies and research being done. We should take precautions when it comes to chemicals and America should be educated often so that we are aware of what truly happens to the environment.
The second statement talks about critics responding to advocates of the principle that nothing is completely safe and that the principle is unrealistic because it would hinder the development of needed drugs, pesticides, and other products. Although I believe the principle is realistic, before anything is brought into legislation, things are proven, and information is provided to back up the argument. Even if testing chemicals and technologies cost, we should not be liable for a fee to utilize paper or plastic bags. It is not that I do not want to pay for them, but I feel that we are being charged for the government's lack. If chemicals in a plastic bag are unsafe for the environment, then other measures should have been taken decades ago.