Most shoppers today carry their purchases from grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and retail stores in plastic bags. Many are now aware that plastic bags cause untold damage on the environment. According to researchers, it takes from 450 to 1000 years for plastic-bags to decompose. In fact, plastic in marine surroundings never completely decompose. The final product of the decomposition, “plastic dust,” is absorbed by filter-feeding marine animals. This dust and the bio-toxins, like PCBs, polychlorinated biphenyls, are collected by other living organisms and find its way up the food-chain to animals and humans.
There are biodegradable bags created from cornstarch along with other degradable-components that exist. Nonetheless, they require air and light in order to disintegrate, which most landfills do not provide. Biodegradable bags can take months, perhaps years, to breakdown and cost more than standard plastic bags. Some recycling companies predict that improvements of biodegradable plastic bags could make them more appealing and affordable in the future.
Many chain stores and independent grocers offer a low-cost alternative. Currently, many stores offer plastic bag programs where they pay one penny to five cents per plastic bag returned. Very popular supermarkets have containers set out in view of customers so that they can toss their used plastic bags for recycling.
In 2003, one very large chain store collected over 6500 tons of plastic bags. The plastic is then sold to a company that produces Trex, lumber similar boards generated from plastic bags and re-claimed waste and pallet wood. Regrettably, composite-lumbar produced partially with plastic is not deemed to be recyclable, although it could last for quite some time.
-Here are some of the most important reasons to recycle plastic bags:
1. It is convenient
According to studies, a plastic bag recycling container is nearby in most neighborhoods with over 1500 recycling facilities to date.
2. They are pollutants
Plastic bags are photodegradable, which means that they slowly decay into tiny pieces that can pollute waterways and soil.
According to studies, a plastic bag recycling container is nearby in most neighborhoods with over 1500 recycling facilities to date.
3. We can do more
According to statistics by the American Chemistry Council, the lowly sum of 13 percent of polyethylene-bags was recycled in 2009.
According to studies, a plastic bag recycling container is nearby in most neighborhoods with over 1500 recycling facilities to date.
4. It is in demand
The demand for plastic is high, and in many locales, the demand surpasses the available supply because most consumers are unaware that collection-programs are accessible in stores.
According to studies, a plastic bag recycling container is nearby in most neighborhoods with over 1500 recycling facilities to date.
5. It is not difficult
It takes nearly 100 percent less energy to recycle plastic bags that weigh a pound than it takes to recycle the same weight in paper.
According to studies, a plastic bag recycling container is nearby in most neighborhoods with over 1500 recycling facilities to date.
6. Let it work
Plastic bags can help trash-burn more competently in energy recovery-facilities, producing energy that can be utilized to make electricity in some neighborhoods.
According to studies, a plastic bag recycling container is nearby in most neighborhoods with over 1500 recycling facilities to date.
7. It travels
Smaller plastic bags are around nine-percent of the rubbish found near various US coasts according to a several year study.
According to studies, a plastic bag recycling container is nearby in most neighborhoods with over 1500 recycling facilities to date.
8. Save on gas
When a ton of plastic bags is recycled or reused, the energy equal to eleven barrels of oil is preserved.
There are a plethora of other reasons to recycle plastic bags. However, there are never enough people to participate. Awareness of the desperate need to recycle plastic is paramount in cleaning up the earth’s environment.