One environmental alarm to the World...
The Americans throw almost 100 billion plastic bags every year, and only 1 to 3 percent is recycled.
The disadvantages of plastic bags
Plastic bags are not biodegradable. They clog waterways, spoil the landscape, and end up in landfills where they may take 1,000 years or more to break down into ever smaller particles that continue to pollute the soil and water.
Plastic bags pose a serious problem to the animal kingdom. Birds and marine creatures often mistake plastic bags for food. We lose thousands of marine animals as they die after swallowing or choking on discarded plastic bags. Also, production of plastic bags requires millions of gallons of petroleum that could be used for transportation.
The problem with plastic bags doesn't begin when they become waste. Damage is also caused during their production. The bags are made from petroleum derivatives, which come from oil, a non-renewable fossil fuel. Their production causes air pollution from factories, along with all the other problems associated with the use of oil.
But you can switch to couple of things to help your environment:
1. Recycle your plastic bags: If you do end up using plastic bags now and then, be sure to recycle them. Many grocery stores now collect plastic bags for recycling.
2. Switch to reusable shopping/grocery bags: These reusable bags are made from renewable materials conserve resources by replacing paper and plastic bags. Reusable bags are convenient and come in a variety of sizes, styles and materials. When you are not using these bags, you can roll or fold them as they are small enough to fit easily into your pocket.
Nowadays, many stores, including grocery stores and book stores are selling reusable bags at the check out as an alternative to plastic bags. You can also find some "green" websites and stores that sell environment friendly reusable grocery bags.
Reusable bags are a growing trend, and rightly so. It is estimated that over 500 billion plastic bags are used by consumers worldwide each year and these plastic bags take thousands of years to decompose. As the plastic decomposes in landfills, it releases toxic particles which are absorbed into the ground and are carried into streams and rivers, poisoning fish and plants. The toxins also soak into agricultural land where they enter our food chain.
Reusable bags made from environmentally friendly resources such as cotton or other natural fibers can help reduce the impact of plastic on our environment.
Choose your reusable grocery bags and let others know that you are doing your bit to help the environment.
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Sam D'Costa
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