From environmental protection to social justice, there's a growing call for change and reform in 21st-century America. People across the U.S. tirelessly advocate for bans to promote a better future for all. Let’s look at what US citizens want rid of from their country.
Single-Use Plastics
With increasing awareness of environmental pollution and plastic waste, many people are advocating for a ban on single-use plastics like straws, utensils, and bags to reduce plastic consumption and protect marine life. Thankfully, efforts are paying off and there has been a significant reduction. Long may it continue.
Gun Laws
In response to the alarming rise in gun violence and mass shootings, there's a widespread demand for banning assault weapons to enhance public safety and prevent further tragedies. For many Americans, having a gun at home makes them feel safer, but a majority still want gun laws tightened.
Conversion Therapy
The controversial Conversion therapy has hit mainstream media in recent years and has been widely condemned as harmful and ineffective. The aim is to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. Human Rights advocates are pushing for bans on the practice to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from psychological harm.
Child Labor
Despite endless global efforts to combat child labor, it remains prevalent in various industries worldwide with news stories and developments breaking constantly. Many people are calling for stricter regulations and bans on child labor to protect the well-being and human rights of children.
Pesticides Harmful to Bees
With the huge decline in bee populations posing a threat to agriculture and ecosystems, there's a push to ban pesticides like neonicotinoids that are linked to bee eradication and concerning behavioral changes. Protestors are fighting to safeguard pollinators and food security.
Conversion Therapy for LGBTQ+ Youth
In addition to banning conversion therapy for all individuals, there's a specific advocacy for prohibiting its use on LGBTQ+ youth, who are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects. Of greater concern is the potential for under-18s to receive the therapy in states that refuse to ban treatment.
Private Prisons
The privatization of prisons has been criticized for prioritizing profit over rehabilitation and adding to mass incarceration. Many are advocating for banning private prisons to address systemic issues within the criminal justice system, and President Biden has ordered federal agencies to put a stop to prison profiteering.
Animal Testing for Cosmetics
Animal testing for cosmetic products is widely viewed as cruel and unnecessary and has been an issue close to the hearts of the world for decades. Nowadays, there is mass availability of alternative testing methods which renders it futile. Animal supporters continue to fight for a ban on this practice to end animal suffering and promote cruelty-free beauty standards.
Offshore Drilling
Offshore drilling poses significant environmental risks such as oil spills and habitat destruction. For years there have been attempts to ban offshore drilling to protect coastal ecosystems, marine life, and communities from environmental harm. The greatest issue lies in the lack of support from the US Presidential office which continues to offer drilling leases.
GMO Foods
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production have raised concerns about health risks and corporate control over agriculture. The topic has gained significant controversy over the years with many believing GMOs to be safe, while others are advocating for banning GMO foods or mandating labeling to provide consumers with informed choices.
Fracking
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has been linked to water contamination and seismic activity and poses a serious threat to the environment. Anti-fracking campaigners have called for a ban on fracking to protect public health, wildlife and the climate.
Plastic Microbeads
As we aim to reduce plastic pollution, the added issue of plastic microbeads is going nowhere. As significant contributors to plastic pollution in waterways and marine life, the objective of environmental supporters is to ban plastic microbeads used in personal care products to reduce their environmental impact.
Tobacco Advertising
Though tobacco advertising in broadcast media ceased in 1971, tobacco companies still pay billions of dollars a year for advertising in the US alone. This has been criticized for promoting addiction and targeting vulnerable populations.
Soring in Horse Training
Soring, the unethical practice of injuring horses' legs to achieve an exaggerated gait in show competitions, is considered animal cruelty. This is solely practiced to gain an advantage in the show ring and causes unnecessary pain and suffering. It is of little surprise that there is a call for banning soring.
Sale of Shark Fins
Despite legislation to ban the trading of shark fins in the US, it is continuing. The sale of shark fins contributes to the decline of shark populations and disrupts marine ecosystems. US restaurants offering shark fin soup were issued bans to trade, sell, or possess shark fins to protect endangered shark species and ocean biodiversity.
Puppy Mills
There are numerous charities aimed at banning US puppy mills that subject dogs to inhumane conditions. Immense changes are occurring, largely due to social media platforms that draw public attention to the issue. The fight is continuing for ethical breeding practices and animal welfare.
Conversion Therapy for Military Personnel
Despite homosexuality being legal in the UK since 1967, stories of military personnel who were subjected to conversion therapy to ‘cure’ them, sent the world into a tailspin. Aside from its harmful effects, military personnel have a right to uphold their rights and well-being.
Disposable Vape Pens
Vaping is the latest trend amongst young US populations, but disposable vape pens contribute to both youth vaping and environmental waste. There's a push to ban disposable vape pens to address these concerns and promote safer alternatives for nicotine consumption. There is added concern that vaping could encourage smoking as a natural progression.
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