Plastic bags are convenient for our shopping but what do we do with them once we have unloaded our items? If you are like me you store them away thinking that they will come in handy maybe use them to line small rubbish bins, store food in the freezer and very occasionally remember to take them to the supermarket to re use. However once plastic bags begin to spill out the draw the only solution seems to be to throw them in the rubbish bin.
Not only does it seem a waste to throw plastic bags away it is also extremely harmful to the environment particularly as they can take one thousand years to degrade. In addition to this issue plastic bags also cause damage to a large number of marine animals and birds which die each year as a direct consequence of plastic pollution.
So what can we do about this problem?
Many stores and outlets are beginning to ask if we need a bag rather then just handing them out and some are charging. Others have invested in biodegradable bags which is really the way forward. For the individual shopper why not buy a couple of cotton shopping bags and keep them in the car or near to the door to remind yourself to take them when you go shopping. Not only is it better to have a sturdy bag to put our shopping in (we all know the feeling when the plastic bag splits) but it will let stores know that the public are taking environmental issues seriously.
The Way Forward
Whilst we can all make an effort to prevent the damage caused to the environment by plastic bags surely the solution is for all plastic bags to be biodegradable.
Many companies are beginning to sell biodegradable plastic bags. At Wikaniko we have a range of bags including freezer bags, carrier bags and black rubbish bags that can be used safely.
We also sell a rather nice cotton tote bag that is ideal to take shopping.
http://www.wikaniko.com/index.php?distributor=greenerearth&redirect=http://www.wikaniko.com/shop/cotton-tote-bag-long-handle.html
We all need to do our bit to save our beautiful planet so please think before you accept that plastic bag.
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