Reusable Shopping Bags vs. Plastic Bags
We all know that single-use plastic bags are bad for the environment, but are reusable shopping bags really the solution? In this blog post, we'll compare the environmental impact of both types of bags to help you make an informed decision.
Production
Plastic bags are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. The production of plastic bags requires energy and releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. On the other hand, reusable shopping bags can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, hemp, and recycled plastic.
Result: Based on production, reusable shopping bags are the better choice.
Use
Plastic bags are only used once and then disposed of, often ending up in landfills or oceans. Reusable shopping bags, on the other hand, can be used multiple times before they need to be replaced. However, reusable shopping bags are often made from heavier materials, resulting in a higher carbon footprint when it comes to transportation.
Result: Based on use, reusable shopping bags are the better choice, but transportation should also be taken into account.
End of Life
Plastic bags take hundreds of years to decompose and can harm wildlife that mistake them for food. Reusable shopping bags can also end up in landfills, but they are less likely to become litter. However, reusable shopping bags have a higher environmental cost when it comes to end-of-life management, such as recycling or disposal.
Result: Based on end-of-life, neither option is ideal, but reusable shopping bags might have a slight advantage.
Conclusion
When it comes to environmental impact, reusable shopping bags are generally the better choice. However, there are still drawbacks to consider, such as transportation and end-of-life management.
So, the next time you go shopping, remember to bring your reusable shopping bag, but don't forget to use it as much as possible before buying a new one!
References
- "Plastic Bags and the Environment", American Chemical Society, 2021. https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/2020-2021/october-2020/plastic-bags-and-environment.html
- "How 'green' are reusable bags?", Science Daily, 2020. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200210123143.htm
- "The Environmental Impact of Reusable Bags", HuffPost, 2017. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-environmental-impact-of-reusable-bags_b_58d1faefe4b0f838c62e29cf