Humans have crafted containers for carrying items for thousands of years, evolving from pouches made of animal hide, through basket weaving, to embroidered fabric bags, and now to the ubiquitous plastic bags we see today. Plastic bags, which gained popularity in the mid-20th century, have become commonplace in our everyday lives. Our reliance on these bags is heavy due to their lightweight nature, low production costs, and convenience. Whether it’s at the grocery store, in our kitchens, or on the sidewalks, plastic bags are seen almost everywhere.
There are three main types of plastic bags: t-shirt bags, also known as supermarket bags; trash bags, often used in our homes and businesses; and the high-end “boutique” bags, often seen in the retail world. Each type of bag is made from a variety of polymers, including polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene. But regardless of their type, plastic bags follow a similar production process.
The journey of a plastic bag starts from crude oil or natural gas. The fossil fuels are processed to produce ‘plastic resin’, small plastic pellets about the size of a grain of rice. These pellets are melted down and blown up like a balloon to create a thin film, which is then cooled and cut into bags.
Although convenient, our heavy dependency on plastic bags comes with a high environmental cost. The majority of plastic bags are single-use, resulting in an enormous amount of waste. Single-use bags often end up in landfills or in nature, where they do not biodegrade but instead break down into smaller, toxic pieces. These small plastic pieces, known as microplastics, can be ingested by wildlife and end up in our food chain.
At the polypac Site, they discuss a solution to mitigate the impact of plastic bags on the environment – recycling and waste management. Plastic bags can be recycled into a variety of new products, including composite lumber and new bags. However, plastic bag recycling requires specific machinery and is not available in all areas. Furthermore, recycling is not a magic bullet – it is always better to reduce and reuse before resorting to recycling. Efforts must be made to minimize plastic bag use in the first place.
Biodegradable and compostable bags are touted as a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastic bags. These are made from plant-based materials such as cornstarch or polylactic acid (PLA) and are designed to break down more quickly than traditional plastic. However, these alternatives also come with their own set of issues. They often require specific conditions to decompose properly and could still result in microplastics if not disposed of correctly. The production process also has environmental impacts, from the cultivation of crops to the production of the bags themselves.
As more people become aware of the environmental impact of plastic bags, many are turning to reusable bags. Reusable bags, typically made from fabric or heavy-duty plastic, can replace hundreds, if not thousands, of single-use bags over their lifetime. Using and promoting reusable bags can significantly reduce our reliance on plastic bags.
Despite the problems associated with plastic bag usage, we cannot deny their utility and the convenience they offer. As we move forward, it is crucial to find a balance between our needs and the environmental impact of our choices. Plastic bags are just one example of how our habits and lifestyle impact the world around us. We should strive to make more sustainable choices in every aspect of our lives, from the products we use to the waste we generate.