The Sad Facts about Plastic Bags
(Lots more information can be found on our
"Resources and links" page.)
7 million plastic bags are used EVERY DAY in Ontario. Worldwide, this figure escalates to billions.
Environment
Plastic bags are NOT biodegradable. They decompose into bits of plastic that contaminate our ground, and leach into our waterways. They last for decades, and contribute enormously to persistent large visible litter. This increases the cost of keeping our city clean.
Manufacturing
Plastic bags are manufactured from foodstock of petroleum, which is non-renewable. The manufacturing of plastic bags contributes to carbon emissions and hence global warming.
Water
Plastic bags are bad for water systems. They clog up drains and rivers & they collect stagnant water, creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. They also create major problems in oceans. They look just like jellyfish, which are the staple food of turtles. These and other animals eat the bags, which block up their stomachs and cause them to starve.
Health
Plastic bags remain a serious choking hazard for young children. Babies should NEVER play with plastic bags. They should not be kept anywhere near sleeping areas.
Article: American Academy of Pediatrics; "Deaths Attributable to Injuries in Infants"
Plastic industry supports need to manage plastic bag use
"Plastic bags can be re-used and should never be thrown away. Even a damaged bag should never be considered as waste or garbage"
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www.oneplasticbagless.ca
Michelle Arsenault, a high school student in Dryden, in 2008 made a presentation to the Dryden town council to eliminate plastic bags.
Her efforts are ongoing and she has done a wonderful job of raising awareness in her community and surrounding areas.
Check out her Earth Day challenge to the retail stores.
She visited all 39 of them in Dryden and received a very good response.
One person can make a difference!
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Frequently asked questions
Should I recycle my plastic bags?
Recycle any excess plastic bags you have. Don't let them become landfill. Recycled plastic bags can be made into other bags, traffic cones and even into furniture!
Where can I recycle my plastic bags?
Plastic bag recycling in London is available at A&P stores & at Loblaws.
I keep forgetting my bags. What can I do?
Put a couple of bags in the car. Hang them on your pantry door, and put a reminder on the door handle. Get your kids to remind you. That way, they can help the environment too!
I use plastic bags for garbage. What can I use instead?
Use up all that packaging that you get. For example, milk bags make great garbage bags.
Use biodegradable bags for compost and for leaf & yard waste.
You don't always need to put recyclables in plastic bags. Just put them straight into the blue bins.
What can I do about doggy litter?
Use biodegradable bags. You can bury them, bag, poop and all! They are now available at A Village Tail in Wortley Village (519-642-1200).
Consider using a "Pooper Scooper"
If you use regular plastic bags for dog litter, please dispose of them thoughtfully.
The above picture is from a park full of discarded bags that were used for doggy litter.
Note: Be aware that biodegradable bags are fairly new technology, and are not a magic solution. There are unresolved issues, such as increased demand putting up the price of corn, increased fossil fuels to maintain the corn fields etc. Overall, we believe that REDUCING the number of bags we use is the best option.
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