ARE SOME ECO-FRIENDLY EFFORTS ABLEIST?

Words and photos by Kate Hathaway |

Millie (Left) & Annabel (Right)

In the past couple of years, we’ve seen an increase in the public outcry for more steps to be taken to help improve the sustainability of our planet and to tackle climate change around the world. Some of these steps have most notably included the suggestion of a blanket ban on single use plastics that have been deemed as unnecessary. In England, our Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced in late 2018 that the government would be launching a plan to ban plastic straws, drinks stirrers and cotton buds.

Whilst the plan briefly touched upon ensuring that plastic straws would still be made available for individuals who need them, it did not go into great detail as to how this ban would accommodate them, suggesting that little serious thought has been taken so far into how this ban will impact a large proportion of society. Rather than taking the time to consider these impacts and what would be needed to accommodate the needs of individuals who consider items such as plastic drinking straws a necessary piece of equipment in their day to day life, the government has announced plans to ban them from sale and distribution without consideration as to how this will impact the disabled community.

The announcement of this ban for many able-bodied individuals will, at face value, present itself as a huge success. Many see it as a great stride in becoming more eco-friendly and do not see the impact this can have on individuals with disabilities who consider plastic straws a necessity. This celebration and push of the ban can easily make those who need single use plastics such as straws feel incredibly alienated by society, as their needs are being incredibly overlooked. We spoke to Millie & Annabel, disability rights activists from London, about some of the problems a ban on plastic straws and other single use plastics would have on the disabled community, and how to be eco-conscious without being ableist!