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The Impact of Plastic Bags on the Environment

Plastic bags are routine in shopping locations. They are small and lightweight, and they can hold up to 17 lbs. each. While most people reuse them in some fashion, tossing them out can have negative effect on the environment.

  1. Recycling

    • In 2007, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated 88 percent of consumer plastic bags never get recycled.

    Oil Consumption

    • Plastic bags are made from petroleum. Every year, Americans consume an extra 12 million barrels of oil for plastic bags.

    Marine Life

    • Sea creatures routinely die slow deaths by swallowing plastic bags that have made their way into the water.

    Biodegradability

    • Plastic bags have been around for about 50 years; scientists have estimated a bag will take 500 to 1,000 years to degrade fully.

    Litter

    • Litter is an eyesore no matter its origin, but plastic bags can be stuck in trees, line gutters and clog drainpipes.

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