"Biodegradable Bags: An Imperfect Solution for Reducing Plastic Waste"

Question

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

slippery slope
slippery slope

gambler’s fallacy
gambler’s fallacy

ad hominem
ad hominem

loaded language

Answer 1

The article does not demonstrate any of the listed fallacies (slippery slope, gambler’s fallacy, ad hominem, or loaded language) explicitly. However, it does present a critical examination of biodegradable bags and highlights their limitations, rather than committing to a specific fallacy.

If forced to choose from the options provided, "loaded language" could be considered, as the article uses descriptive terms to convey a particular view on biodegradable bags. Yet, it leans more towards being informative rather than employing a clear fallacy.

Ultimately, the article provides a balanced perspective without strongly leaning into any specific fallacious reasoning.