Banning Vs Taxing, Reviewing the Potential Opportunities and Challenges of Plastic Products

Abstract

Plastic products are used for a variety of services and are then dumped into the earth after use. These dumped plastics affect our health, socioeconomic conditions, coastal and marine environments, as well as our climate. The purpose of this study is to systematically review the potential opportunities and challenges of plastic products under the umbrella of banning and taxing. The discourse analysis approach was used in this study to critically analyze and summarize 42 relevant studies. The study developed two different storylines. The first storyline (S1) used taxing plastic products as an alternative strategy. The second storyline (S2) used banning plastic products as an opposing alternative strategy. The findings of the study show that taxing plastic products is frequently observed in developed countries, whereas banning plastic products is frequently observed in developing countries. Benefits in regards to revenue generation, creating public awareness, employment opportunities, industrial processes, construction processes, and recycling growth are highlighted under the taxing policy. On the other hand, a cleaner environment, tourism attraction, eco-friendly shopping, and a reduced ecological footprint are highlighted under the banning policy. Governments and policymakers play a critical role in developing and implementing the necessary legislative framework for dealing with plastic products.