As the dangers of plastics pollution become better known, people are looking for ways to limit their use of disposable plastic bags and other plastic products. One of the easiest ways to do this is to switch to reusable bags instead of single use plastics for shopping. Recognizing consumer sentiment in favor of more environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, many stores have already stocked up on reusable bags in bulk. These are often made from recycled materials themselves, and help to reduce our reliance on single use plastic bags.
Plastic pollution is everyone?s problem
The world is awash in plastic pollution, with lasting negative consequences for the environment. In the U.S. alone, 100 billion plastic bags are used each year. Every person uses an average of 350 to 500 a year. People have become accustomed to the convenience of single use plastic bags and other plastic objects like bottles, straws, utensils, lighters, pens and more. We?ve even stopped wondering what happens to the plastic once it?s thrown away.
The problem with plastic is that it doesn?t just biodegrade into organic components, unlike other materials. Or rather, it doesn?t biodegrade for a long time. A plastic bag can take anywhere from 15 to 1,000 years to biodegrade. And in that time, it can be washed into water bodies as garbage, eventually reaching the oceans, where it endangers marine life. Only about 2% of all plastic bags used are ever recycled.
What you can do about it
As people become aware of the need to reduce their use of plastics and especially single use plastics, reusable bags are appearing in the stores and on the streets. By using these instead of disposable plastic grocery bags, people can feel that they are making a difference and keeping plastics out of the landfills and the oceans.
More and more stores are now stocking up on reusable bags in bulk, giving consumers the choice to pick one up at the checkout. It might seem like a small step, but using reusable grocery bags has a real impact for the better. Many retailers get creative with their orders of reusable bags in bulk, choosing colorful logos and adding inspiring text and smart slogans. Some even offer custom wine bags, which are always useful and make good gifts.
Recognizing a shift in consumer sentiment, many retailers now order reusable bags in bulk. Using these instead of single use plastic bags is one of the best choices one can make for the environment.