Question

"Biodegradable Bags: An Imperfect Solution for Reducing Plastic Waste" Biodegradable bags are thought to be better for the environment than regular plastic bags, which take a very long time to break down. These special bags are made to break down faster when they are in sunlight, air, and moisture. People who like biodegradable bags say that using them can help reduce the amount of plastic waste in our landfills and oceans. They believe that switching to these bags can help make our planet cleaner and healthier. But not everyone thinks biodegradable bags are the best answer. Some people say that these bags need special conditions to break down properly, like high temperatures and special composting places, which are not always available. Sometimes, biodegradable bags end up in regular landfills where they might not break down any faster than regular plastic bags. Also, some biodegradable bags release methane, a gas that can harm the environment, as they break down. It is important to know that biodegradable bags are made from natural materials like cornstarch, which means they are completely harmless to the environment. While it is true that these materials are better for the environment than regular plastic, this statement does not tell the whole story. Making biodegradable bags still affects the environment because growing the crops needed for these bags uses land, water, and energy. This can lead to problems like cutting down trees. So, while biodegradable bags are a good step, they are not a perfect solution. The debate over biodegradable bags is complicated. While they are better for the environment than regular plastic bags, they also have some problems. It is important for people to know about these issues and to think about other ways to reduce plastic waste, like using reusable bags. Finding the best way to help our planet will need a mix of different ideas and a promise to make more eco-friendly choices in our daily lives. Question Use the article excerpt to answer the question. What type of fallacy is demonstrated in the article? (1 point) Responses ad hominem ad hominem slippery slope slippery slope gambler’s fallacy gambler’s fallacy loaded language loaded language

Answer 1

The article does not explicitly demonstrate any of the fallacies listed. However, if I had to choose the most relevant option based on the general tone and implications, it could be argued that it leans slightly towards loaded language. The article presents biodegradable bags in a nuanced way, recognizing both their potential benefits and their drawbacks, but it does frame the discussion around the idea that they are not a "perfect solution." This could imply a certain bias in how the effectiveness of biodegradable bags is communicated, though it does not strictly meet the criteria for loaded language in the most definitive sense.

Still, since the other fallacies listed (ad hominem, slippery slope, gambler's fallacy) do not apply at all based on the content provided, loaded language might be the closest fit, albeit imperfectly. Ultimately, the article aims to provide a balanced view rather than fallacious argumentation.