Facts About Plastic and Paper Bags
The following facts are a compilation of research and data conducted by Daniel Guerithault and information received from Cotton Inc. To view the source or citation, please click on the number at the end of each bullet point. If you have any questions, please email Daniel at daniel@howdoyousaybag.org
Plastic Bag Facts
We use over 380 billion plastic bags every year, throwing away millions of barrels of oil.
Plastic bags should be recycled...only 1% - 3% of plastic bags get recycled.
It is estimated that tens of thousands of animals are killed every year by plastic bags because they mistake the bags for food.
Most plastic bags are not biodegradable.
The petroleum in 14 plastic bags can drive a car 1 mile.
Plastic bags cost our cities up to 17 cents per bag for disposal.
Paper Bag Facts
Paper bags require oxygen and energy to biodegrade.
Paper bags emit 70% more global warming gases than plastic bags when made.
Billions of paper shopping bags get used every year, consuming millions of trees.
Facts about Cotton Contamination
One of the causes of cotton contamination is plastic bag litter that ends up in cotton fields.
When the cotton is harvested, the plastic bags get caught up in the machines and are mixed in with the cotton.
The cotton is sent to be ginned and the plastic bags get mixed in with the cotton.
The bales of cotton are sent to manufacturers to be made into clothing, sheets, towels, etc.
Once the cotton is spun into fabric, if it is contaminated from an outside agent like a plastic bag,
it will leave a dark spot in the material.
The end result is the price of goods to consumers increases - to help offset the losses. That means you and me!
So instead of using plastic and/or paper bags, jump on the bandwagon, buy a reusable,
help the environment, and support The Steve Nash Foundation!
