RECYCLING: Containing the ubiquitous plastic bag.

Paper or plastic? If you're a shopper, you've heard this question a million times and you've already made up your mind about your feelings on the subject. Well, like smoking in bars and restaurants, plastic bags may not be as ubiquitous in a few years. Many federal and local governments are banning or imposing levies on plastic bags.

Australia is considering a levy on each bag used with the ultimate goal of a total ban on the distribution of plastic bags at retail stores (see Plastic bags join endangered list). China, which uses as many bags in 48 hours as Australia uses in a year, passed a law restricting production and distribution, and imposing a levy beginning on June 1, 2008.

Additionally, the City Council of New York voted 44-2 to require large retailers (stores over 5,000 sf and/or with at least 5 stores in the City) to provide prominently accessible recycling bins and to coordinate recycling arrangements independent of the City regardless of the store of origin of the bags. The mayor will sign the bill.


In addition to the waste stream, the energy consumed in the lifecycle of one plastic bag equals one teaspoonful of crude oil.

The United States uses 86 billion plastic bags per year.

China uses 3 billion bags per DAY or 37 million barrels of crude oil per year! In 48 hours, China uses the same amount that Australia uses in a year.

Bangladesh has banned the bags because they've clogged storm drains and caused flooding.

Other countries with bans and/or levies include: Taiwan, Russia, Uganda, Ireland, and South Africa.

IKEA USA has been charging for each plastic bag since March 2007 and has reduced the price of cloth bags.

(classic Bacsik)