As we go about our daily lives, we often take for granted the plastic bags we use to carry our purchases from the grocery store or shopping centre. However, have you ever stopped to wonder how long the average plastic bag is used for before it is disposed of? In this blog post, we will delve into this question and explore the impact of plastic bags on our environment.
According to research, the average plastic bag is used for approximately 12 minutes before it is thrown away. This may seem like a short amount of time, but when you consider the billions of plastic bags used worldwide annually, it quickly adds up to an enormous amount of waste. Additionally, plastic bags can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to significant environmental concerns.
Tackling plastic waste
In recent years, many countries have taken steps to tackle the issue of plastic waste. Some have introduced levies on single-use plastic bags, while others have implemented bans on plastic bags altogether. These measures have been successful in reducing the number of plastic bags used and discarded, promoting the use of reusable bags instead.
Apart from the environmental impact, plastic bags also add to the cost of doing business. Businesses that use plastic bags often have to factor in the cost of purchasing these bags, as well as the expense of disposing of them. Reusable bags, on the other hand, can be used multiple times and are therefore more cost-effective in the long run. Some businesses have also taken this opportunity to brand reusable bags with their logos, turning them into a marketing tool.
Interestingly, the duration of use of a plastic bag varies depending on its purpose. For instance, bags used for the disposal of household waste might be used for slightly longer before being thrown away. Conversely, bags used for carrying groceries or shopping tend to have a shorter lifespan. Additionally, the durability of a plastic bag also determines how many times it can be reused. Reusable bags, however, can be used many times over, and some studies show that they can be used for up to four years before needing to be replaced.
In conclusion, the average plastic bag is used for an incredibly brief period before being discarded, contributing to our growing waste problem. While it might not be possible to eliminate plastic bags altogether, reducing their usage would certainly go a long way in reducing the environmental impact. As consumers, we can do our part by adopting reusable bags like jute or canvas and avoiding single-use plastic bags. Businesses can also do their part by switching to reusable bags, which help to protect the environment.