People across America have become increasingly vocal about various issues they want to see addressed, and there’s a growing call for certain things to be banned outright. Here are the 20 most talked-about demands making the rounds to be stopped.
Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics are everywhere, from grocery bags to straws, and their environmental impact is undeniable; people in the U.S. are increasingly aware of the damage these items cause to our oceans and wildlife. In fact, according to PBS, “1 in 3 Americans say they’ve reduced how much plastic they’re using.” Many are demanding that single-use plastics be banned to reduce pollution and promote more sustainable alternatives.
Robocalls
Nothing disrupts a peaceful evening like a phone call from an unknown number, only to be greeted by a robotic voice trying to sell you something. Robocalls have become a massive annoyance for many Americans, leading to a strong demand for stricter regulations. These intrusive calls often come at the worst times and can be a real hassle.
Factory Farming
Long been criticized for its inhumane treatment of animals and negative environmental impacts, factory farming has also been called to be banned, with many advocating for more ethical and sustainable farming practices. They argue that the current system prioritizes profit over animal welfare and environmental health.
Assault Weapons
The debate over gun control continues to be a hot topic in the United States, with many advocating for a ban on assault weapons. These powerful firearms have been used in numerous mass shootings, leading to tragic losses and widespread fear. Some argue that assault weapons have no place in civilian hands.
Payday Loans
Payday loans might seem like a quick fix for financial emergencies, but they often trap borrowers in a cycle of debt with their high interest rates and fees. Many Americans are asking for these predatory loans to be gone for good because they take advantage of vulnerable individuals in desperate situations.
Exotic Animal Ownership
Keeping exotic animals as pets might sound exciting, but it poses serious risks to both the animals and their owners. Some people in the U.S. want to stop the private ownership of exotic animals, citing concerns about animal welfare and public safety.
Plastic Microbeads
Those tiny plastic microbeads found in exfoliating scrubs and other personal care products are causing big problems for our waterways and marine life. A lot of Americans want these harmful particles prevented due to their environmental impact. Once washed down the drain, microbeads are too small to be filtered out at wastewater treatment plants, leading to pollution in rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Single-Use Vape Pens
The popularity of vaping has brought with it the issue of single-use vape pens, which contribute to electronic waste and litter. Residents of the U.S. believe these disposable devices should be gone, due to the fact they are environmentally unfriendly and promote unsustainable consumption habits.
Child Beauty Pageants
Thanks to promoting unrealistic beauty standards and placing undue pressure on young participants, child beauty pageants have also been called to be stopped; a lot of people think they exploit children and can have negative psychological effects. The push for a ban aims to protect children from the pressures of the beauty industry.
Artificial Food Dyes
Artificial food dyes are commonly found in a variety of processed foods, but they have been linked to health issues such as hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions. These synthetic additives should be banned, according to some Americans who are advocating for the use of natural alternatives.
Puppy Mills
Notorious for their inhumane breeding practices and poor living conditions for animals, puppy mills are another thing a lot of U.S. locals want to see end. They wish for more humane treatment of animals and stricter regulations on breeders; by banning puppy mills, supporters aim to promote responsible pet breeding.
Celebrity Endorsements in Politics
If there are celebrity endorsements in politics, it can sway public opinion, and a high number of Americans believe that they undermine the democratic process. There’s a growing call to cancel these endorsements, arguing that political decisions should be based on policies and qualifications rather than celebrity influence.
Flavored Tobacco Products
Flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and fruit-flavored e-cigarettes, are particularly appealing to young people, leading to concerns about youth smoking and vaping. A stop on these flavored products would protect public health and prevent a new generation from becoming addicted to nicotine.
Unsolicited Email Spam
As we all know, email spam is a constant nuisance, cluttering inboxes and sometimes carrying malicious software, too. Some are calling for this sort of spam to be illegal, wanting stricter regulations in an aim to make it safer for consumers against scams—and to reduce digital clutter.
Animal Testing for Cosmetics
A long-standing controversial issue, many argue that animal testing for cosmetics is cruel and unnecessary. A growing number of residents in the United States want to see this practice stopped in place of alternative testing methods that do not involve animals.
Junk Food Advertising to Children
Additionally, a major concern in the U.S. is junk food, but junk food advertised to children in particular. Because it contributes to unhealthy eating habits and childhood obesity, there is a strong push to ban these advertisements, particularly during children’s television programming and online platforms.
Disposable Diapers
Disposable diapers are convenient, but they contribute significantly to landfill waste and environmental pollution. A lot of people are wanting to see disposable diapers end, and a more sustainable alternative like cloth diapers be the preferred choice.
Public Smoking
Some places in the world have made headway with banning public smoking, and Americans would see the same. Public smoking not only poses health risks to smokers but also affects non-smokers through secondhand smoke. There’s a want for stricter regulations to ban smoking in public places, aiming to protect public health and create cleaner, healthier environments.
Junk Mail
Physical junk mail is a persistent annoyance—just as annoying as email junk—filling mailboxes with unwanted advertisements and contributing to paper waste. Some advocate for canceling unsolicited junk mail, wanting more environmentally friendly and efficient marketing methods.
Non-Recyclable Packaging
One final thing those in the U.S. would gladly see banned is any non-recyclable packaging. It’s a major contributor to environmental pollution and waste, and companies should be encouraged to adopt more sustainable materials to help the planet.
Up Next: 19 American Foods that Are Not Allowed in Other Countries
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19 American Foods that Are Not Allowed in Other Countries
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