It is funny to think that plastic started out as a solution to an environmental problem. Back then, we were concerned about cutting down too many trees to produce paper bags. (Reminds me of how my grandfather used to say that the internal combustion engine was going to solve the problem of dried horse manure polluting the air in New York City).
Today, of course, the ubiquitous plastic bag has become an environmental harm (much as the internal combustion engine now contributes to a different form of air pollution and climate change). Jourdan Philips of the Presidio Graduate School points out in the blog Triple Pundit that plastic bags contribute to littering, lack of biodegradability in landfills, ocean contamination and other forms of environmental pollution. He also addresses some of the ways retailers and others have tried to reduce the environmental impact of 380 million plastic bags every year. And he questions whether consumers will really use the reuseable shopping bags now available at many retailers.
Personally, I prefer the approach of Costco, BJ's, and other "club" warehouse stores. Got a few products? Then just take the cart to your car. No bagging required. Got more than a few products? Then just take and reuse one of the many boxes that would otherwise be disposed of or recycled.
John Howley
Woodbridge, New Jersey
Today, of course, the ubiquitous plastic bag has become an environmental harm (much as the internal combustion engine now contributes to a different form of air pollution and climate change). Jourdan Philips of the Presidio Graduate School points out in the blog Triple Pundit that plastic bags contribute to littering, lack of biodegradability in landfills, ocean contamination and other forms of environmental pollution. He also addresses some of the ways retailers and others have tried to reduce the environmental impact of 380 million plastic bags every year. And he questions whether consumers will really use the reuseable shopping bags now available at many retailers.
Personally, I prefer the approach of Costco, BJ's, and other "club" warehouse stores. Got a few products? Then just take the cart to your car. No bagging required. Got more than a few products? Then just take and reuse one of the many boxes that would otherwise be disposed of or recycled.
John Howley
Woodbridge, New Jersey
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