Thirteen Billion Plastic Bags in UK & 380 Billion in US
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Thirteen billion plastic bags are given away each year in the UK alone. Their production and disposal adds to CO2 emissions. And many contribute to pollution problems, and threaten wildlife.
In the US it is even more. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, each year more than 380 billion plastic bags, sacks, and wraps are consumed in the U.S. alone. Furthermore, 100 billion of those bags, or 332 bags per person annually, are consumed in the form of shopping bags. Commercial enterprises, then, account for the use of more than 280 billion plastic bags, sacks and wraps.
Let us all do Mother Nature a Favor, let us buy Cloth bags, they will last long and do less damage to the environment. Here are some pictures to show the impact of plastics on Earth.
Plastics on Earth
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Comments
Those pictures are crazy. We have reusable cloth grocery bags. The state of Washington is trying to eliminate plastic bags in grocery stores.
When I was in New Mexico, it was windy and flat. Plastic bags were always getting caught in what few trees were there, as well as the cacti. I try to do my part with recycling, but I know that I could do more.
Zsuzy, I agree it can only get worse if we don't stop. It is hurting the marine environment very badly they are suffocating the baby fishes, turtles and creatures.
Stacie: I am glad they are banning in Washington, here it is still status-quo, it will take some time. I hope they have a general Federal rule instead of letting the states do their own thing.
Angela, I also do my best but some people just don't care they keep throwing all sorts of things, few days ago they left sofa, beds, tables, metals near the dumpster which is meant for general trash only.
Oh gee, it is terrible eh! I have to admit I have been adding to it because sometimes I put my rubbish in them. But I am improving by wrapping veg scraps in newspaper and putting in garden.(good compost) And have bought a few green bags. Yes we have to do something about it.
Although its about time the manufacturers did the same look how many of our groceries are still packaged in plastic bags. And electrical goods as well.
So stir them up.
When my wife and I went to Switzerland a few years ago, I noticed that most people were using these cloth bags. It is a very practical, simple solution to a very impractical, complex problem. Great hub.
Eileen thanks, I recycle all the plastic bags I get, but we have to use more groceries bags. Also for one or few items, I tell the shop clerk to just give me the items without the bag, that also helps sometimes.
Thanks Adventure, I hope everyone follows like Switzerland. Cheers.
Stacie is right! What a mess! cgull8m, yea I ask for that to, don't give me any bags.
Wendy, thats great, we have to make our friends do the same. My co-workers are awful they just seem to live in a different planet and don't listen.
working
Zsuzsy Bee says:
5 months ago
Wow! what a mess we have created. It's high time that we all work together to clean up. The reusable grocerybags are a good start.
great HUB regards Zsuzsy