The end of paper or plastic

by Amanda Ruiz

February 11th, 2008 in Environment, Pollution, Recycle

Each year, billions of plastic bags are distributed for free worldwide, creating an abundance of litter. The plastic bags then begin to pollute our cities. They become choking hazards for sea and land animals, and they break down into toxins that pollute the land. It’s not just the discarding of plastic bags that is harmful but the production process is damaging as well.

Nonrenewable resources such as petroleum and natural gases are used during production and other toxins used to produce the bags create pollution. And choosing paper bags over plastic doesn’t help as much as you may think. It takes more energy to manufacture and recycle a paper bag than a plastic bag, production has a major impact on forests, and toxins used during production create pollution.

This is why stores are now charging customers for each bag used or eliminating bags all together. The idea is to encourage customers to bring reusable bags to do their shopping, which not only saves money but reduces pollution and waste. You can find them at your local grocery store or online in many different sizes and styles. Shopping with reusable bags is a growing trend that brings us one step closer to a greener earth.

Reusable Bags
Eco Bags