We seem to be hearing even less these days that challenging question we all dread: Paper or plastic? Many businesses are eliminating supplying bags to customers and encouraging them to bring in their own. While at first glance, this can seem like an inconvenience to the consumer, upon reflection it is really the best choice for a truly green lifestyle, both business and personal. What are some of the issues?
The ways trees used to be!
Plastic shopping bags are not biodegradable and they can sit in a landfill for a thousand years. When exposed to the elements, they break down into tiny, toxic particles that contaminate soil and water. But they are re-usable and if you get a plastic bag dispenser, you can keep using them for quite some time. You can get one at stacksandstacks.com. If you want to make one yourself, visit dioramarama.com. But they are manufactured with toxic petroleum products and it would be best if we did away them completely.
Paper bags aren't better, really. In the United States, over 14 million trees were cut in 1999 to make the ten billion paper grocery bags that were used. Making those bags creates 50 percent more air pollution and 50 times more water pollution than plastic bags. Using one ton of recycled paper can save 13 to 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 4,000 kilowatts of energy and 7,000 gallons of water.
Using your own canvas bags that you reuse as many times as you want can save untold resources and saves the business owner money that will ultimately create more financial responsibility for us all. Most supermarkets are now selling them for 50 cents to a dollar. In Seattle, a city ordinance is being considered requiring that consumers bring their own bags when shopping.
If you enjoyed this article, you might be interested in my other articles:
Why the tide has turned to green business.
Green hotels.
Organic food business is booming.
Organic food business is booming.
Green building materials for your home.
Learn about One Million Acts of Green.
Supporting zero emission energy generators can reduce carbon emissions.
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Comments
For facts and links to the studies about plastic bags and the environment that started it all, as well as environmental shopping strategies and a survey of plastic bag knowledge...please visit
www.thetruthaboutplasticbags.com
Thanks for the comment. I think it is important to point out to my readers that that website (www.thetruthaboutplasticbags.com) is run by the world's leading manufacturer of plastic grocery bags, Hilex Poly. Check them out at hilexpoly.com/about-us/about-us.html. There may be some good info there, but it is important to know when the source has a vested interest in a profit-based outcome. -- JG
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