The Plastic Bag Factor

Photo Source: DJ Bass

Introduced in 1977, the petroleum-based plastic bag revolutionized the retail industry.  Today, with consumption high and an economy based on disposables, plastic bags have become a huge environmental problem.  Every year our nation’s grocery stores and pharmacies go through 92 billion plastic bags (source), requiring 12 million barrels of oil.  Most of these bags are disposed of after one use and 99% are not recycled.

Many countries around the world have taken action.  Ireland has implemented a very successful tax of $.20 on every plastic bag.  This PlasTax cut consumption by 90% and generated $9.6 million in revenue earmarked for the environment in the first year alone.  Other countries like Taiwan, Kenya and Bangladesh have banned plastic bags completely, and France will start in 2010.  The world’s largest retailer, Wal-Mart, set a corporate goal of slashing their plastic bag waste by a third worldwide by 2013.

For the individual looking to take action, invest in a reusable bag.  Many retailers offer their versions of more environmentally-friendly options.  If you must use plastic bags, save and return them to your nearest local retailer who will recycle the bags responsibly.