Plastic is one of the biggest threats to our planet. Plastic shopping bags are especially harmful because we tend only to use them once and then dispose of them. Although they may be out of sight, out of mind, these plastic bags are a significant problem. Here’s why we need to eliminate plastic shopping bags and replace them with eco-friendly, reusable bags.
Plastic pollution
One of the most common types of litter that we see in parks, beaches, cities, towns, oceans, fields, etc. is plastic shopping bags. They are lightweight, and can easily be carried by the wind. When we throw away a plastic bag that ends up in a landfill, the wind can quickly carry that bag to faraway places.
Plastic is forever
The plastic bags that end up littering our environment and oceans will never biodegrade. A plastic bag that’s stuck in a tree will live in that tree forever. Plastic pollution is unsightly, but it can also be dangerous and threaten wildlife, especially if they end up in the ocean. Many plastic bags do end up in the sea and are a severe threat to marine life.
Flooding
Plastic bags can also quickly end up in sewage and drainage systems. That leads to flooding, which can lead to major problems for cities and people. Plastic bags can also clog rivers, disrupting the natural flow of water.
Plastic is a waste of energy
We need to conserve our natural resources and save energy. Producing single-use plastic bags is a significant waste of both natural resources and energy. By using plastic shopping bags every time you shop, you are contributing to the premature deterioration of our planet.
Plastic in our food chain
When plastic ends up in the ocean, there is a good chance that they can destroy marine life and ecosystems. Plastic bags may break down into microplastic, which ends up being consumed by fish and wildlife, eventually ending up on our plate.
Many places are starting to phase out plastic shopping bags and even placing a full ban on single-use plastic bags. Do your part by using reusable shopping bags the next time you shop.
