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View AllMarch 04, 2022 6 min read
Past research shows that there are about 8.3 billion tons of plastic in the world.
Unfortunately, about 6.3 billion tons of this plastic is already trash. Part of the reason for this is that half of the world's plastic is meant to be used only once.
Our world is drowning in plastic pollution, and it’s about time we should change our habits.
Yes, disposable plastic offers us convenience, durability, and flexibility. But, these plastic properties are the same ones that make the material bad for the environment.
So, what can you do to reduce your dependency on single-use plastic bags?
For starters, you can try usingreusable bags, which are sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective.
So, shall we talk more about the importance of choosing environmentally friendly reusable bags over one-time plastic bags?
Most of us use plastic bags even though we know they are bad for the environment. In fact, plastic bags are one of the common items in our litter system.
Disposable plastic bags are used to carry shopping and other produce, and then they’re disposed of.
At the very least, this plastic waste is unsightly. However, it’s also a danger to the environment.
One of the major environmental concerns related to disposable plastic is marine pollution. Plastic is a key waste in the ocean.
Most sea animals ingest tiny pieces of this plastic waste, which blocks their digestive systems, leading to death. For instance, 52% of all sea turtles are reported to have ingested plastic.
Sea animals also get entangled in plastic waste, which leads to drowning.
Moreover, plastic waste in the ocean further breaks down into tiny microplastics, which small fish eat. These small bits of plastic later end up on our plates, causing an adverse effect on our health.
Additionally, floating plastic bags accumulate, leading to unsightly ocean gyres and garbage patches. Also, plastic litter clogs drainage systems, contributing to floods and water-borne diseases.
Most plastic waste ends up in landfills.
Unfortunately, plastic isn’t biodegradable. As a result, toxic substances found in plastic such as BPA and BPS get into the soil, leading to pollution.
Besides, air pollution occurs when this waste reacts with weather elements or is burned.
Plastic food containers, bottles, and bags contain chemical fillers associated with health problems such as cancers, infertility, autism, and ADH.
Besides, microplastics often enter the human body through inhalation or ingestion, which can cause many health illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and inflammatory bowel disease.
The extraction of plastic from fossil fuels further releases toxic gas into the air and water. These toxins affect the health of animals and humans, as can be observed in the health of communities neighboring plastic refining industries.
Disposable plastic bags are light and are easily blown by the wind, littering the environment.
These bags are frequently caught on trees or end up floating on oceans and rivers, becoming an eyesore.
To get an idea of whether reusable bags are better than other bags, let’s look atplastic bags vs reusable bags vs. paper bags.
Paper bags, compared to other grocery bags, have some advantages.
For starters, they’re easy to recycle, which limits their negative environmental impact. Also, since they’re biodegradable, they decompose quickly.
Unfortunately, paper bags require lots of resources to produce. For instance, manufacturing one paper bag takes four times more energy than it takes to produce a plastic bag.
Besides, the fertilizers and chemicals used in the growth of plants to produce these bags are harmful to the environment.
Studies also show that cotton paper bags need to be reused 3 to 43 times to neutralize their environmental effect. Unfortunately, paper bags are the least durable of the three bagging options we have, making it almost impossible to use a cotton paper bag more than once.
A notable advantage of plastic bags compared to other shopping bags is that they are affordable. Plastic bags are also durable.
Further, grocery store plastic bags are often made of high-density polyethylene, resulting in less carbon and toxic emission during production compared to the manufacture of paper bags.
Unfortunately, plastic bags, although recyclable, are hard to recycle. Most plastic bags end up in litter, and since they don’t biodegrade, they endanger humans, marine, and wildlife.
How many times do you have to use a reusable bag? There are manytypes of reusable bags which are made of different materials. Some of thereusable bags materials are more sustainable than others. For instance, reusable bags made of nonwoven polypropylene only need to be reused eleven times to neutralize their effect on the environment.
Another thing concerningreusable bag facts is that they are durable and can be used repeatedly. This helps cut down on the amount of plastic litter in the environment.
Reusable bags are also washable and can be used for multiple purposes. Not to mention that these bags are affordable, and since they last for years, they save you money in the long run.
When it comes to choosing reusable bags, silicone bags come highly recommended.
Silicone bags are not only environmentally friendly, but they’re also food safe. So, if you’re wondering what you can use to store your snacks or carry them on the go, consider using the Two Pillars silicon ZipBags.
Some of the notablebenefits of reusable bags include:
Now that you know that reusable bags are good for you and the planet, it's time you make the most of them.
Here are a few tips to help you put these bags to good use.
If you have too many reusable bags, and you’re wondering what to do with them, you can recycle or reuse them in the following ways.
If you’re wondering how else you can help protect the earth, here are some suggestions.
Clearly, there are numerous reasons to opt for reusable bags. Reusable bags are eco-friendly, protect our wildlife, keep our cities and oceans litter-free, and are good for your health too. Hopefully, you’ve made the switch from single-use plastic bags to reusable bags by now.
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