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When Katy Perry asked all of us if we never feel like a plastic bag, drifting in the wind, wanting to start again, the metaphor of her song “Firework” implied that these plastic bags would have a second chance, a new start. And even if she is right that plastic bags can often be seen to derive through the wind, this is where the literal interpretation of the words and the life cycle of these bags ends.
I know that single -use plastic bags can sometimes seem easier – you may have become dependent on them over the years due to their convenience. And it’s frustrating when you forget to take your grocery bags that are reusable on the way to the store.
My theory is that if you have cute and aesthetic bags, you will be more likely to to want To use them and less likely to forget them. Sachot bags will make your storage of chic food. Bags are simply a functional accessory.
In addition, due to the prohibitions of plastic bags by cities, states and retail chains, they are no longer available in many stores. And if you want one of the most environmentally friendly bags they offer, you should probably pay fees. (Of course, this can only be five hundred, but that is the principle.)
You (or at least I) also finish with the hoarding of a random collection of paper or soft polyester bags with the intention of reuse them, until your drawer or cabinet is so excited that you must throw them away. It may not be plastic, but it is Another waste.
Why should you avoid plastic bags?
Even if it is tempting to use a plastic bag for any reason, it is important to keep in mind that the environmental impact of the plastic industry is disastrous. According to a 2021 report Bennington College Beyond Plastics Project, the industry emits at least 232 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, which is equivalent to average emissions of more than 100 Coal power plants.
The expert in environmental policy and beyond the founder of Plastics, Judith Enck, explained that plastic bags are made from toxic chemicals and that ethane, a by-product of hydrofracking, is used in their manufacture; They are rarely or never recycled. Plastic recycling in general has not been a success, she said, but film plastic is specifically stored because there is no reliable markets for this and it can literally obstruct the recycling system.
“Never put a plastic bag in your recycling bin because when it comes to the recycling center [a material recovery facility]It is stuck in equipment gears and causes major problems, “said Enck.
People are confused because plastic bags will have the recycling logo on them, but you have to take them to a specified deposit location if you want to recycle them. Enck said that these deposit bins are often filled with waste and that nothing is recycled. And when stored, it creates not only a risk of fire, but will also often be intentionally cremated.
The 2021 report explains that the combustion of plastic waste releases a huge amount of CO2 and the most climate impact any sanctioned waste management practice.
Plastic bag prohibitions have shown a promise to reduce this plastic waste. New Jersey, for example, promulgated a ban on the state on single -use paper and plastic bags in 2022, and beach scanning by beach Clean ocean action Found nearly 40% less store / store bags that year than the previous year. (Eight states now Prohibit single -use plastic bags.)
“The environmental impacts of plastic bags are immense, and the evidence is everywhere,” said Enck. “In the spring, I urge everyone to look up before the leaves are on the trees and you will see a lot of plastic bags in the trees, and also obviously, it is strewn, it gets into storm sewers, gets into the streams, then the ocean. The alternative is so easy. It brings a reusable bag to you. It is not difficult.”
Most people will use hundreds of reusable bags if not thousands of times, she added, but even if you reuse the bag once, you will increase the environmental advantages of reusable.
