It's only plastic right?
A coworker recently brought some compelling US stats to my attention on the impact plastic bags have on our environment. Although reusable, recyclable fabric bags are on the market, Canada has a long way to go . Many of us don't give much thought to our plastic bag consumption. After all, they are only plastic bags right?
Wrong.
Petroleum-based grocery bags hit the checkout aisle in 1977. Presented as a revolutionary idea, they are now recognized as an environmental hazard. Just like bottled water, plastic bags are made from crude oil, contributing to global warming.
The numbers are astounding.
Up to 1000 - Estimated years for a plastic bag to decompose.
1460 - Plastic bags used in a year by an average family of four in the U.S.
12 million - Barrels of oil used to make the plastic bags that the U.S. consumes annually.
Less than 1% - Percentage of all plastic bags that get recycled in the U.S.
88.5 billion – Plastic bags consumed in the U.S. last year.
500 billion – Estimated plastic bags sold worldwide each year.
The Countries
San Francisco has banned non-biodegradable plastic bags in large grocery stores.
Ireland has a $.20 tax per bag.
France is banning plastic bags starting 2010 and starting 2008 in Paris.
South Africa has banned thin plastic bags
Uganda has banned thin plastic bags and has taxes on thicker ones.
Kenya is banning plastic bags starting 2008.
Zanzibar Islands have banned all plastic bags.
Mumbai, New Delhi, and two states in India have banned all plastic bags.
Bangladesh has banned all plastic bags.
Taiwan has banned all plastic bags as well as disposable plastic plates, cups, and cutlery.
What can we do about this? As marketers, we can encourage our clients to do their part. Perhaps incorporate a recyclable bag into a promotion or DM piece or reward consumers with bringing their own bags. As individuals, we can reuse our existing plastic bags and use recyclable cloth bags when we do our grocery shop.
We have a voice. Let's use it.
