We have been using cloth bags for almost three years now and it always amazes me that there are people who do not. I think part of it is forgetting that they are there and part of it is the image that it is easier to use the bags at the store. I love my cloth bags! To start, here are some facts about plastic bags:
Here are five reasons why you should use cloth bags!
1) Plastic bags don’t biodegrade, they photodegrade – breaking down into smaller and smaller toxic bits contaminating soil and waterways and entering the food web when animals accidently ingest them.
2) Plastic bags are produced from polymers derived from petroleum. The amount of petroleum used to make a plastic bag would drive a car about 11 metres.
3) Reusing a ‘one use’ bag has a huge positive impact. If a sturdy, reusable bag is used just 11 times, it will have a lower environmental impact than using 11 disposable plastic bags.
4) Bags cost the average household $250/year in retail costs (markups to make up the price of the bags).
5) Using reusable bags can save you money on your groceries! Many stores offer a bag discount of $0.05-$0.25 a bag.
6) Plastic bags are an inferior way to carry items. They hold very little and tear easily. To the right is a picture of the bag I used two days ago when I only brought one cloth bag in (not enough for my order). I was parked in the first spot outside (I had maybe 20 yards to walk). In that time the bag split in two places.