With vast amounts of plastic accumulating in our environment, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains, finding a solution to plastic pollution is essential.
Plastic, compared to many other modern materials, requires valuable resources like natural gas and petroleum to produce. Furthermore, it spreads throughout the environment due to its inability to break down naturally. Plastic bags, for example, can take up to 1,000 years to degrade – that is, to break down into smaller and smaller pieces. The key point is that plastic is not biodegradable.
Fortunately, one of the simplest and most economical ways to reduce our plastic consumption is by using eco-friendly bags. These bags offer many advantages, including greater convenience, reduced waste, and numerous other benefits.
What Are Eco-Friendly Bags Made Of?
Eco-friendly bags are often made with recycled materials like paper, jute, organic cotton, and recycled materials. Importantly, many of these are plant-based options. This gives these bags a much stronger and sturdier build compared to plastic bags.
The handles on these bags are usually designed to be comfortable. They make it easy for the user to carry their bag without any discomfort, no matter how heavy it is. Plus, these ergonomic handles also make it easier to pick up even more items.
Eco-Friendly Bags = Less Plastic Waste
Around the world, we use a staggering 500 billion plastic bags every year. That's about 150 plastic bags per person annually! To put that into perspective, if you laid all those bags end to end, they would circle the Earth a whopping 4,200 times.
Plastic bags that don't end up in landfills or recycling centers face several harmful fates. They can undergo photodegradation, where sunlight breaks them down and releases toxic particles. They can be ingested by animals, with an estimated 100,000 marine mammals alone harmed each year. Or, they can become pollution, making up about 10% of all debris found along coastlines.
It’s clear we’re using far too many plastic bags, so switching to eco-friendly bags would drastically reduce this enormous amount of waste.
A Sense of Responsibility
Choosing to use eco-friendly bags allows you to actively participate in reducing plastic pollution, which is a significant global issue. When you consider the scale of the problem, every little action counts.
For instance, a single individual who switches to reusable bags instead of plastic will prevent an estimated 20,000 plastic bags from being used over their lifetime.
You'll shop with a sense of purpose when you choose an eco-friendly bag, knowing you're making a conscious choice to reduce plastic bag use, and helping create a more sustainable future.
No Harmful Chemicals
As plastic bags break down, they can release pollutants such as bisphenol A (BPA) and methane. These chemicals can be harmful to both the environment and our health.
And it's not just those chemicals. Plastic bags also contain other harmful substances called phthalates, like DBP, BBP, and DIBP. These have been classified as dangerous to human health.
Eco-friendly bags, on the other hand, don't contain these harmful chemicals. This means when they break down, they don't hurt the environment, animals, or our health. They're a much safer alternative, avoiding the dangers associated with traditional plastics.
Production That Uses Less Energy
Making eco-friendly bags skips the long, complex process of finding hydrocarbons, like crude oil, that's required for plastic bags. This means we don't have to use the expensive and harmful methods of extracting, transporting, and refining those materials.
Because of this simpler process, producing eco-friendly bags uses much less energy. And, importantly, we burn fewer fossil fuels.
When you consider the energy it takes to clean and recycle traditional plastics, eco-friendly alternatives become an even more energy-efficient choice. They offer a route that consumes significantly less energy overall.
Durable and Comfortable to Use
Eco-friendly bags are not only better for the planet, but they're also stronger and more durable than plastic bags. They're also much more comfortable to carry, especially compared to those thin plastic bags you're used to. This means you can carry more items without feeling stressed or strained in your hands or on your body, resulting in carrying your things being easier and more convenient.
Can These Eco-Friendly Bags Be Recycled?
The answer is yes, many eco-friendly bags can be recycled, depending on what they're made from. However, to truly make the most of their environmental benefits, it's best to reuse them as much as possible. The longer you use them, the better it is for the planet.
Are Eco-Friendly Bags Good for Heavy Loads?
Absolutely! Eco-friendly bags are made to be strong and durable, so they can definitely handle heavy items. However, it's a good idea to check the bag's weight limit and choose a size that fits what you need to carry. That way, you can be sure you're using the right bag for your needs.
At Shaka Love, we're inspired by the beauty and spirit of the Hawaiian Islands. That's why we create eco-friendly beach products and gifts, including a lovely selection of eco-friendly tote bags that we invite you to explore.
We are committed to honest and fair business practices, donating 10% of our profits to protect our planet. The Hawaiian values of respect, loyalty, and a deep love for family, community, and our planet are woven into everything we do and guide our every step.