It is not actually all that many years since eco friendly bags were used by everyone, albeit because of the lack of an alternative rather than due to concerns over the environment. In more recent years, however, this has changed dramatically with free plastic bags on offer in just about any store you enter. But eco friendly bags are making a comeback, which is a good thing all round.
The humble plastic bag may not seem like it should be an issue, but it is open to much environmental criticism. Firstly, they are made from oil, a depleting resource which we need to become less dependent on. Secondly, the very design of the bags is such that they should be touch and strong, helping to make them virtually indestructible in terms of decomposition. This means that our landfill sites are filling up with them (13 billion are issued a year in Britain and are typically used for about 20 minutes before being thrown away). Those that don’t end up in landfill sites litter the countryside or enter waterways and seas, endangering wildlife.
Because of these concerns, eco friendly bags are being used more by consumers, with plenty of alternatives available. Some stores offer reusable plastic bags, which whilst still made from oil, are at least designed to be used for a reasonable length of time. Because they are chargeable consumers are also only likely to take those they really need. Even better eco friendly bags include cotton bags, hemp bags, jute bags and even bags made from recycled juice cartons! You can even make your own.
Some high street stores are starting to ban free plastic bags due to public concern over the environmental issues. This can only be a good thing but as consumers we can, in any case, ensure that we are armed with eco friendly bags whenever we shop.
