Plastic Bags are being vilified across the world these days, but most of the statistics given to justify bag bans and taxes are either misleading or just plain wrong. Below are three of the more popular myths about plastic bags along with the actual facts. We think you’ll find them pretty interesting.
If you have any questions about plastic bags, feel free to contact us.
Oil Consumption
MYTH: According to many websites and environmental groups, plastic bag manufacturing uses a large percentage of the crude oil that is consumed in the US. Some suggest that eliminating plastic bags would reduce our dependence on oil.
TRUTH: American plastic bags are made from natural gas, NOT oil. In the U.S., 85 percent of the raw material used to make plastic bags is produced from natural gas. Bags are made from a waste product of refining oil or natural gas that will exist whether converted into plastic or not. If not converted, this waste would be burned off, releasing greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.
Some groups pushing for bans point out that the equivalent of 12 million barrels of oil are used annually to make plastic bags. What they don’t mention is that the U.S. consumes 18 million barrels per day.
Banning or taxing plastic bags will do nothing to curb oil consumption.
Recycling
MYTH: Recycling plastic bags is extremely costly and difficult.
TRUTH: Recycling programs are growing all the time, and plastic recycling can be a very simple, cost effective and energy efficient process. The main products currently made from recycled grocery bags are composite lumber and new bags. In some areas, plastic bags and other plastic film packaging, can even be included in curbside recycling.
Litter
MYTH: Plastic bags are a major source of litter and banning or taxing bags will reduce litter.
TRUTH: Plastic bags make up less than one percent of all litter. Cigarette butts, fast food packaging, and food wrappers are much larger contributors. Banning one item that becomes litter does nothing to change the mindset of those that discard trash improperly. Many of the bags that end up as litter blow off of garbage trucks or out of garbage trucks or out of landfills. Landfill operators and garbage haulers should be held accountable for items that escape containment. Since plastic bags are responsible for less than 1% of all litter, banning or taxing them will have no impact.
The solution to litter is public education, recycling programs, and proper disposal.
If you have any questions about the use of plastic bags, contact us!
Alternative Packaging Solutions Inc.
Call 610-269-7440
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