ANSWERS: 1
  • Plastic bags are part of a large environmental problem, while reusable bags offer an environmentally friendly alternative. According to starthelpingourplanet.org, between 500 billion and one trillion plastic bags are used worldwide each year.

    Environmental Impact of Plastic Bags

    Twelve billion barrels of oil are used annually to make plastic bags. According to the environmental website Worldwatch.org, about 100 billion plastic shopping bags are thrown away every year, with only 6% being recycled.

    Reusable Bags Quantities Compared to Plastic Bags

    The average American uses between 500 and 1,200 plastic shopping bags each year. If the average American shopper switches to using only reusable bags, that would mean between 500 and 1,200 less bags sent to landfills and floating in coastal waters per person, per year.

    Main Advantage of Plastic Bags

    Plastic bags are light and thin. It takes, according to the American Chemical Council's website plasticbagfacts.org, eight trucks carry the same amount of standard paper or reusable bags as one truck full of plastic bags.

    Make it Easy to Use Reusable Bags

    The environmentalists at starthelpingourplanet.org suggest keeping reusable bags in the car. This makes reusable bag use convenient.

    Cost to Buy Reusable Bags

    Many major stores offer mesh reusable bags for a dollar or less. With the average cost per plastic bag cited as five to ten cents, reusable bags pay for themselves between 10 and 20 uses.

    Source:

    500 Bags per American Shopper

    Environmental Impact

    Benefits

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