The environmental issue of plastic pollution has grown to be a pressing matter, as plastic can be found practically everywhere on Earth – from the mountains to the ocean floor. It is now more important than ever that we find a solution to this problem before it’s too late.
Plastic is a material that, unlike many others, not only requires resources to produce – such as petroleum and natural gas – but also permeates the environment due to its inability to break down. Plastic bags alone take up to 1,000 years to degrade because they are not biodegradable.
Eco-friendly bags are one of the simplest and most economical ways to reduce our plastic consumption. There are endless advantages to switching to eco-friendly bags, which include reduced waste and increased convenience.
They’re Better For The Environment.
Eco-friendly bags are not only better for the environment, but they can also save you money in the long run. Unlike plastic bags, you can use eco-friendly bags over and over again. If more people switch to using eco-friendly bags, we can reduce the number of plastic bags being manufactured and distributed all over the world.
They’re Stylish.
Not all eco-friendly bags look like the ones you can pick up at your local supermarket. You can find plenty of stylish options that will match your everyday outfits. Eco-friendly bags, such as cotton tote bags, come in different shapes, colors, and sizes, so you have lots of options to choose from.
They’re Durable.
How many times have you gone to grab your plastic grocery bag only to have the bottom give way, spilling your purchases all over the place? If you’re like most people, it’s happened more times than you can count.
The flimsy nature of plastic bags is just one of the many reasons why they’re not good for the environment. Eco-friendly bags, on the other hand, are built to last. They’re usually made from stronger fibers, so you can store more items without worrying about them breaking.
They’re Comfortable to Carry Around.
Unlike plastic bags that often cause cuts and scratches, eco-friendly bags are designed with smooth, comfortable handles that are easy to grip – even when the bag is full.
Less Plastic Waste in the Environment.
We use 500 billion plastic bags every year – that’s 150 per person. If you put them all together, they would go around the world 4,200 times! Obviously, using eco-friendly bags would reduce this number significantly.
Photo Degradation, Ingestion, and Pollution.
Plastic bags that end up in the environment are at risk of photodegradation (light exposure that releases toxic polymer particles), ingestion (100,000 mammals each year), or pollution (10% of all coastline debris). By using eco-friendly bags, we can reduce the amount of plastic bags that enter the environment and help to protect our wildlife and natural resources.
Fewer Fossil Fuels and Natural Resources Used for Years to Come
Asians use an alarming number of plastic bags – approximately 12 million barrels of oil each year. And that number doesn’t even include the transport and disposal of these plastic bags. Switching to eco-friendly bags, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, conserve water, and promote sustainable resource distribution.
Avoid Plastic Tax
Many stores, cities, and even countries are taking the initiative to reduce pollution and save the environment by banning plastic bags or adding a tax to them. As a result, it’s beneficial for shoppers to switch to using eco-friendly bags to avoid any added expense.
Popular Types of Eco-friendly Bags
Cloth Bags
Cloth bags not only reduce pollution but also lowers the environmental impact these bags have. A single cotton bag can last for up to 170 uses – which is the number of bags that must be used to offset its environmental impact – and many reusable, recycled bags are made to last for years.
Paper Bags
Using paper bags at grocery and non-grocery shops is beneficial for a few reasons. For starters, they’re biodegradable and create less litter. They’re more environmentally friendly and pose less of a risk to wildlife. Additionally, paper bags are made from renewable natural resources. Once they’ve been used, they can be sent to a paper mill to be recycled and reused again.
Jute Bags
Jute bags are made from jute plant fibers which can be grown without pesticides, can withstand heavy rains, and has a low carbon dioxide and water footprint. Jute is also biodegradable, so it’s not a threat to the environment.
Cotton bags
Cotton bags are made of sustainable materials. The most common materials include organic or recycled, or traditional cotton. Once you’re done using them, especially organic cotton bags, they can be recycled as a plant product and are biodegradable – meaning they won’t harm wildlife or the environment. Plus, they’re just as easy to wash as your clothes!
Hemp bags
Hemp is an environmentally friendly crop that doesn’t require a lot of water or pesticides, making it a great option for those looking to be more eco-conscious. Additionally, hemp’s long roots prevent soil erosion and keep topsoil in place. In terms of strength, hemp is considered one of the strongest fibers – three times stronger than cotton! Plus, it can be mixed with other fibers like silk and cotton to create different textures and durability. When it comes to promotional materials, hemp bags with your logo are a great way to get exposure for your business. They’re reusable, and customers will carry them around with them, acting as a walking billboard for your brand.
Conclusion
Environment-friendly bags have many benefits over plastic bags, but the hardest part is making the switch. If we all work together, we can make a big difference in the environment – one reusable bag at a time!
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