Environmental Effects of Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are an everyday convenience. They are used at the grocery store, used to store food in a refrigerator or freezer and used to take a sandwich for lunch. The influence plastic bags have on the environment is a subject many consumers may not have considered.

Litter

Plastic bags often become debris on beaches, sidewalks, parks and streets after they are used.

Fact

Plastic bags take about 1,000 years to decompose and are not biodegradable.

Effects

Wildlife such as turtles, dolphins, penguins and others often mistake plastic bags for food and die trying to eat them.

Difficult Disposal

When burned, plastic bags emit toxic fumes that pollute the environment.

Considerations

Plastic bags are made from petroleum, a resource that is shrinking.