Ejercicio SECTION III - Option b) · Inglés PAU País Vasco Ordinaria 2026

b) Is it better to ban single-use plastics than to promote recycling? Write a for-and-against composition on banning plastic items and encouraging recycling.

Solución: Sample answer: Plastic pollution is an undeniable global crisis. In response, governments debate whether it is preferable to ban single-use plastics entirely or to focus on improving recycling schemes. On the one hand, banning single-use plastics tackles the issue directly at its source. Prohibiting disposable bags, straws, and cutlery eliminates waste before it is even produced, compelling industries and consumers to adopt reusable, biodegradable alternatives. This measure prevents vast amounts of non-biodegradable debris from entering oceans and landfills. On the other hand, recycling remains essential for managing materials that cannot yet be replaced easily. Promoting recycling fosters environmental awareness and establishes an infrastructure for a circular economy. Furthermore, complete bans may disrupt businesses and prove impractical in certain sectors, such as healthcare, where sterile disposables are indispensable. In conclusion, neither approach is completely effective on its own. While bans prevent avoidable waste, robust recycling programs ensure responsible disposal of necessary plastics.