Environmental Challenge #2

Environmental Challenge of the Week #2

Reuse Shopping Bags

The facts:

• Over 380 billion plastic bags...are consumed in the U.S. each year
• Plastic bags don't biodegrade, they photodegrade--breaking down into smaller and smaller toxic bits contaminating soil and waterways
• Kenya and Uganda have banned thin plastic bags, and imposed a tax on thicker ones
• Plastic bags are an oil byproduct

What about paper bags? Trees are cut down, and passed through an energy-intensive and chemical-intensive process before becoming paper bags. Though they are recyclable, unlike plastic, they still present a significant environmental problem. One benefit of paper bags is that they are biodegradable. They can be used as a weed barrier in a garden, or composted.

Alternatives? Reusable shopping bags can solve all of these problems instantly. They can be bought online, if not at a nearby grocery store. Also, plastic or paper bags can be reused several times.

So my challenge to you this week is to get a couple bags which can be reused when you go to the grocery store. Even if they're plastic bags, reuse them! Consider buying a reusable bag online, or using a duffel bag which you might already have.

Sources:
ReusableBags.com - Check out their website for more info, and to buy reusable shopping bags.
BBC Article - Read the article about Kenya and Uganda banning plastic
More information - Read more information about the paper/plastic debate

Environmental Challenge #1

Environmental Challenge of the Week #1

Reuse Coffee Containers

The facts:

• Americans consume more than 16 billion paper cups per year

• In 2006, paper cups accounted for 252 million pounds of garbage. This required 4 billion gallons of water, and 6.5 million trees, and enough energy to power over 50 thousand homes

What about coffee cups from recycled paper? FDA regulations are very strict when it comes to beverages coming in contact with recycled paper, and recycled paper is too flimsy of a material to retain the liquid. Starbucks tried to manufacture a recycled paper cup, but was unable to succeed.

Alternatives? One sustainability engineer concluded that after 24 uses, a stainless steel mug is as environmentally friendly as using paper cups.

Is environmentalism expensive? No...a study done in 2000 showed that Starbucks could save $1 million dollars per year by switching to reusable cups.

So my challenge to you this week is to bring your reusable mug or travel mug next time you go to the Hardee's, or to your favorite coffee shop.

Source: SustainabilityIsSexy.com