Plastic bags, like plastic bottles, are ubiquitous. Unfortunately, they are too much part of the scenery, since the majority of used bags end up in landfills, or worse, in public parks, forests and on beaches, where they are a constant threat to nature’s creatures. Breaking down into small pieces, they are readily consumed by curious animals, birds and fish. Every year thousands of sea turtles, whales and sea mammals die from ingesting discarded plastic bags, six-pack containers and water bottles.
Staggering Waste...      Since 500 billion to a trillion plastic bags are consumed globally each year and over 390 billion of them are consumed annually in the United States alone, our landfills are overflowing and our public spaces littered with pieces of non-biodegradable plastic that will take thousands of years to decompose. Since plastic is also an oil-based product, their extensive use contributes to the demand for and price of petroleum. It has been estimated that our annual use of plastic bags requires 12 billion barrels of oil to manufacture.
...And Almost None Are Recycled      While some states or communities provide opportunities for recycling plastic bags, only 3% are actually recycled. Even in California, which passed a law that bars communities from imposing fees on plastic bags, but requires all grocery and drug stores to accept plastic bags for recycling or to offer reusable bags for sale, only a small percentage are recycled. The American Chemical Association argues that the most responsible approach would be to recycle plastic bags, but those bags are now shipped to Asia, where they are made into new bags, plastic film, pipes or crates, consuming fossil fuels and emitting tons of greenhouse gasses in the process.
     Some cities, like San Francisco, have issued a ban on plastic bags for grocery stores, drug stores or large retail outlets, requiring stores to provide more expensive bags made from vegetable materials, or paper bags, or encouraging customers to bring their own recycled or tote bags. Relying on paper bags, however, creates another problem, since paper bags are made from trees, which absorb carbon dioxide, one of the factors in climate change. The mayor of Seattle has proposed that, beginning next year, shoppers be charged a 20-cent “green fee” for each bag. When Ireland imposed a $.33 fee for the use of plastic, consumer use of plastic bags dropped by 94% within weeks.
     At the very least, we should think about our contribution to this waste and begin to recycle or re-use plastic bags so they do not wind up in landfills.
Give This a Try      The irony is that people are content to use plastic bags. They hold little and are inclined to spill their contents in the parking lot. Many supermarket chains now sell for a trifling amount — typically $1.00 each — handsome, sturdy canvas bags. If yours doesn’t, drop by another chain. Not only to they hold more, but the amortized cost of the ten we bought a good six months ago is now down to pennies per weekly food trip, and they show no sign of wear.
     By purchasing canvas or cloth bags and saying ‘no’ to plastic, you can help to reduce the amount of waste and make a contribution to solving an environmental problem with minimal effort. And you will make a statement to fellow shoppers on the line, hopefully encouraging others to follow your example.
     One thing: after unloading, don’t forget to put your tote bags back in your car for the next shopping trip.
     Do the right thing:  BYOBags.      - Tony White