When it comes to plastic bags, there are many alternatives that are better for the environment than using plastic. Plastic bags are a convenient way to carry items when you don’t have any other options. However, they can cause harm to the environment especially if they aren’t recycled.
What are Plastic Bags?
Plastic bags are commonly used to store items such as groceries, clothing, and toys. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. Some people use them to store trash instead of having to take it to the recycling center. However, plastic bags can be harmful if they are not properly disposed of.
How are Plastic Bags Produced?
Plastic bags are made from oil, gas, and coal. The first step is to extract natural gas from the earth. This is done by extracting methane and then burning it to create heat and energy. This heat is then used to turn a plant’s oil into plastic bags. Coal is then used to make the plant more efficient.
Top 5 Best Alternatives to Plastic Bags
There are many alternatives to plastic bags, both traditional and non-traditional.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Reusable shopping bags
These can be purchased at most stores, or you can make your own using an old T-shirt or piece of fabric. Just cut a hole in the bottom of the bag and tie it closed with a piece of string or a knot.
- Cotton cloth bags
These can be used for groceries, produce, or anything else that needs to be handled gently. Simply wet the cloth bag and fold it into a shape that will fit in your hand. Then place the bag on top of the item you want to store, and press down to create an airtight seal.
- Bamboo bags
Made from bamboo fibers, these eco-friendly bags can be used for a variety of things, including groceries, dry goods, and clothing. Simply fill the bag with what you need and tie it shut with a knot or piece of binding material
- Fabric Bags
One of the most popular alternatives to plastic bags is fabric bags. These bags are made from fabrics such as cotton, linen, and silk, and they can be used for a variety of purposes. They are perfect for carrying groceries, cleaning supplies, or other items.
- Paper Bags
Another alternative to plastic bags is paper bags. These bags are made from paper, cloth, or plastic, and they can be used for a variety of purposes. They can be used for grocery shopping, picking up items from the store, or carrying small items.
Benefits of Reusing and Recycling Plastic Bags
When you reuse or recycle plastic bags, you are helping the environment and your wallet.
Here are some of the benefits:
You’re preventing unnecessary waste. Plastic bags can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills, and they often end up as pollution in our environment. By recycling them, you’re helping to cut down on this waste.
You’re saving money. Recycling plastic bags can be cheaper than buying new ones. Depending on the type of bag, it can cost anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars per bag.
You’re cutting down on energy usage. When you reuse or recycle plastic bags, you’re reducing the amount of energy that is used to produce them. In addition, when you recycle plastic bags, you are helping offset the emissions from manufacturing new plastic bags.
You’re protecting the environment. By recycling plastic bags, you are helping to protect the environment from potential damage caused by littering and leaks in waste trucks.
The Problem with Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are great for storing food, but they’re not so great for the environment. When we use them, we’re not just taking up space in our trash cans, we’re also contributing to the problem of plastic pollution.
Plastic bags are made from petroleum-based products, which means they take a long time to decompose. In fact, when they do decompose, they release toxic chemicals into the environment. And if those chemicals end up in our waterways, they can harm aquatic life.
Environmental Impact of Plastic Bags
One of the biggest environmental impacts of plastic bags is their impact on the environment. When a plastic bag is used and then disposed of, it takes up space in a landfill and can take hundreds of years to decompose. This means that plastic bags are an environmentally harmful item that should be avoided whenever possible.
Another environmental impact of using plastic bags is their effect on marine life. When plastic bags are dumped into oceans or rivers, they can become entangled in aquatic plants and animals and cause death or injury. Plastic bags also cause pollution when they are burned, which creates toxic fumes that can harm both people and wildlife.
Overall, it is important to avoid using plastic bags whenever possible because of their negative environmental impact.
How Do We Reduce Our Plastic Bag Usage?
In recent years, the usage of plastic bags has been on the rise. Not only are they harmful to the environment, but they can also be a nuisance when it comes to carrying your groceries home. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can reduce your use of plastic bags. Here are some tips,
Buy in bulk and bring your own reusable containers: This is one of the easiest ways to reduce your use of plastic bags. Instead of buying individual items that come in plastic packaging, buy larger quantities of items that you can store in reusable containers. This will help to reduce the amount of plastic that needs to be used.
Shop at farmer’s markets and grocery stores that offer compostable bags: Not only are these bags good for the environment, but they are also much more durable than traditional plastic bags. In addition, many grocery stores now offer compostable bags as an option for consumers who wish to avoid using plastic bags.
Reduce or eliminate your use of straws and cutlery: When you go out to eat, try to ask for utensils made from stainless steel or bamboo rather than using disposable plastics. Similarly, when eating at home, try to use cloth napkins instead of plastic ones, and wash your dishes by hand rather than using the dishwasher.
Conclusion
The use of plastic bags has become a major problem over the years, not only for the environment but also for our health. Not to mention, they are just plain inconvenient. In this article, we have provided some alternatives to using plastic bags that can help you reduce your impact on the world around you and improve your own hygiene at the same time.
This information was brought you by Top Wasters in London.