5 ms·
isn't convenience a practical benefit? Cost as well, particularly for lower income individuals. Plastic bags actually are practically superior to the alternati
by bagacrap 4y ago
isn't convenience a practical benefit? Cost as well, particularly for lower income individuals.
Plastic bags actually are practically superior to the alternatives in many ways. They are stronger, smaller and more water resistant than paper. They may use less material per trip than reusable bags which take ~50x more resources but are still prone to eventual breakage.
Basically everything about one time use plastics is amazing, except the potential for environmental harm.
- skipants 4y agoI'd say the alternative is cloth reusable bags rather than paper. It's what I use. It's stronger and easier to handle than plastic; you just need to remember to bring one with you. My partner keeps one in her bag permanently in case she shops on a whim.
- smileysteve 4y agoCloth (cotton synthetic blends) take more energy and water than both plastic and paper. But if you can reuse for !years! Are worth the price. Personally, i reuse a backpack from high school (20 years ago) with a mended zipper. I can carry about 20lbs in it.
- phil21 4y agoI'm not convinced plastic bag bans save the environment much in terms of co2 production or oil use or whatnot. However - since the bag ban has been enacted here in Chicago, the amount of plastic bag litter is noticeably less. Worth banning something? Maybe, maybe not. But I'd take an educated guess that more plastic is reaching landfills vs. waterways due to it - even if the total amount of plastic is more overall.