Single-use disposable cups are often made from petroleum-based products. Even if they look like they are made of paper, they have a thin plastic lining. Plastic chemicals leach and can enter the human body. These chemicals have been tied to ADHD, endocrine disruption, obesity, autoimmune disease, fertility issues, and even cardiovascular disease. Along with these issues, plastic harms the environment directly contributing greenhouse gases at production, and air and water contamination at disposal, where it also contributes to the death of land and aquatic life. Countries around the world are instituting regulations to eliminate single-use plastic products. We believe it is time for the single largest polluter, the United States of America, to do so as well.

Northeastern University has a responsibility to the students, community, and environment. Given the immense harmful effects plastic has during all stages of its life cycle, we implore Northeastern University to take the first steps and ban single-use disposable cups. Promoting environmental education, encouraging reusable containers, and funding sustainable efforts are just some of the many things Northeastern has the power to do instead of producing pounds of plastic waste.

Human convenience is an expense the environment cannot afford.