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