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Plastic Grocery Bags Quiz > November 12, 2008
How many plastic grocery bags do Americans throw away each year?
A. 75 million
B. 100 billion
C. 200 billion
Congratulations to Scott, this week's Enviro-Quiz Challenge winner. Scott will receive EarthShare Organic coffee and other cool eco-gifts.
According to the World Watch Institute, Americans throw away 100 billion plastic bags per year. And according to EarthShare member the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), one plastic bag can take up to 1,000 years to decompose.
With an estimated 4 trillion plastic bags consumed globally each year, the weight of plastic bags on the world---including associated increases in energy costs and water pollution—many consumers, organizations and governments have taken to a life less plastic.
Governments Set Precedent
In the past decade, governments around the globe have underscored the need to cut plastic bag usage:
- San Francisco. In 2007, San Francisco became the first U.S. city to outlaw plastic grocery bags.
- New York City. In 2008, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg took aim at plastic bags, proposing a plan that requires stores to charge six cents per plastic bag used. All designed to reduce the use of plastic bags and increase the use of their reusable counterparts.
- Ireland. In March 2002, Ireland instituted a tax of 15 cents per plastic bag, which has led to more than a 90 percent reduction in overall usage.
- Africa. In 2007, Africa made a bold move, initiating a continent-wide ban on plastic bags, encouraging the use of reusable bags such as those made from burlap.
- China. In 2008, the Chinese government made plans to ban free plastic bags in order to cut down on litter and pollution. The ban could also save the country as much as 37 million barrels of oil, used to produce the bags.
Retailers Pitch In
Within the last year, major retailers have joined the green revolution, discouraging plastic bags in favor of their reusable counterparts:
- Ikea. In 2007, the home furnishings retailer began charging five cents per plastic bag to reduce consumption and encourage shoppers to use reusable bags. Proceeds from the plastic bags—estimated at $7 million—will be donated to EarthShare member, American Forests.
- Target. Target recently partnered with popular magazines like People, to encourage shoppers to mail in their plastic Target bags in an effort to recycle them into reusable totes. Send your bags in before November 30, 2008 and receive a free Target Retote. (Bags are also available for sale.)
- Wal-Mart. In 2008, Wal-Mart partnered with the EDF to cut down plastic bag usage by one-third by 2013. Through its reuse and recycling efforts, Wal-Mart expects to eliminate more than 135 million pounds of plastic waste globally.
- Whole Foods. In early 2008 the organic food retailer stopped using plastic bags, encouraging shoppers to use reusable totes.
Make a Personal Impact
How can you cut your plastic bag usage? Let the three Rs be your guide:
Reduce. Dramatically reduce your plastic bag usage with a reusable tote. Most major retailers sell reusable bags for a nominal fee, and our Chicobags (link needed) make it easy to support EarthShare and your favorite environmental charities.
Reuse. From lining garbage cans to doing doggie duty, reusing your existing plastic bags is a better alternative than just pitching them.
Recycle. Most grocery stores collect used plastic bags for recycling. The next time you head out for a gallon of milk; bring your old bags with you.
Through our collective efforts, plastic bags may soon me a thing of the past. So grab your reusable tote and start shopping!
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