As many people become more environmentally conscious, they want to take whatever steps they can to reflect principles of sustainability in their lives. So many wonder about the effect of plastic shopping bags on the environment.

Significance

The manufacturing of plastic bags releases harmful carbon emissions into the air. Because plastic is not an organic material, it does not biodegrade quickly or safely. When plastics do eventually decompose, they can leak toxins into the ground.

Other Effects

Incorrectly disposed plastic bags not only clutter landscapes (and seascapes) with unsightly waste, but they also can harm wildlife. Many birds and aquatic creatures die each day due to entanglement or suffocation by plastic bags.

Considerations

Although paper may seem a "greener" choice for bagging purchases, the Film and Bag Federation claims that the process of making paper bags creates more waste and emissions than the process of manufacturing plastic bags.

Fun Fact

Scientists estimate that plastic bags require 400 to 1,000 years to biodegrade. Because manufacturers created the first plastic bags less than 100 years ago, to date not one plastic bag has truly decomposed.

Solution

To avoid using plastic bags, invest in a reusable shopping bag, usually made of canvas. You can use these inexpensive bags over and over, reducing your carbon footprint. You can also reuse plastic bags around the house, for waste collection and miscellaneous transporting of food and other items.

Source:

National Geographic News: Are Plastic Grocery Bags Sacking the Environment?; September 2, 2003

Natural-Environment.com: Environmental Impact of Plastic Bags