Plastic Bags- What They Are Used For And How We Can Reduce The Usage
- Date: 2008-11-18 - Word Count: 438
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Plastic bags are flexible synthetic packaging items and they come in various forms. The small bags used for shopping and for groceries are the most commonly seen. But they are also used as big containers to store or transport food, chemicals, produce, ice and even waste.
These bags are popular because they are flimsy material, easy to work with and flexible. They can carry even fluids and chemicals without causing any leakages. Bags that are made of cloth or gunny don't have this property.
When it comes to packaging food, plastic bags are convenient. They last long and can be sealed easily. These bags are usually made from a single roll of plastic film but depending on the need, the thickness of the plastic can change. There is one justification for using plastic bags for packaging. They use up less material than boxes, cartons or jars of the same size. That's why some people refer to them as 'minimized packaging'.
Plastic bags are very popular as shopping bags. These are open with handles. For most of us, it's hard to imagine life without them. Whenever we make purchase, shopkeepers will hand us a bag to carry the items. Few shops will charge a nominal fee for the bag.
People reuse plastic bags but not more than once or twice. For instance, they can be used to line trash bins or to dispose of household garbage. They are used by pet owners to get rid of litter.
So can we put an end to this environmental hazard? The answer is probably a no, if one is to think practically. But we can still reduce the usage. That is by, reusing, recycling and opting for alternatives. For instance, you don't need a plastic bag to carry all the groceries. Keep a big sturdy non-plastic bag in your car so that you can take it with you whenever you shop. Natural fibres are catching on, although sometimes they are not always as convenient as plastic bags.
Those trendy bags that you got from the mall can be reused for various everyday purposes. Even then, it's best to say no to plastic bags if you can do without. Pause to think a moment before you walk out of a shop with a CD or a novel in a bag. If everyone plays their part, we can considerably lower usage of plastic bags on a daily basis. Ireland is a great example- implementing a plastic bag tax has lowered their use by more than 80%. That just goes to show how we overuse these items and that we can learn to do without them.
These bags are popular because they are flimsy material, easy to work with and flexible. They can carry even fluids and chemicals without causing any leakages. Bags that are made of cloth or gunny don't have this property.
When it comes to packaging food, plastic bags are convenient. They last long and can be sealed easily. These bags are usually made from a single roll of plastic film but depending on the need, the thickness of the plastic can change. There is one justification for using plastic bags for packaging. They use up less material than boxes, cartons or jars of the same size. That's why some people refer to them as 'minimized packaging'.
Plastic bags are very popular as shopping bags. These are open with handles. For most of us, it's hard to imagine life without them. Whenever we make purchase, shopkeepers will hand us a bag to carry the items. Few shops will charge a nominal fee for the bag.
People reuse plastic bags but not more than once or twice. For instance, they can be used to line trash bins or to dispose of household garbage. They are used by pet owners to get rid of litter.
So can we put an end to this environmental hazard? The answer is probably a no, if one is to think practically. But we can still reduce the usage. That is by, reusing, recycling and opting for alternatives. For instance, you don't need a plastic bag to carry all the groceries. Keep a big sturdy non-plastic bag in your car so that you can take it with you whenever you shop. Natural fibres are catching on, although sometimes they are not always as convenient as plastic bags.
Those trendy bags that you got from the mall can be reused for various everyday purposes. Even then, it's best to say no to plastic bags if you can do without. Pause to think a moment before you walk out of a shop with a CD or a novel in a bag. If everyone plays their part, we can considerably lower usage of plastic bags on a daily basis. Ireland is a great example- implementing a plastic bag tax has lowered their use by more than 80%. That just goes to show how we overuse these items and that we can learn to do without them.
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