Plastic bags, also known as polyethylene bags, are a type of plastic bag manufactured using low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). They are commonly used in packaging and storage applications and come in a variety of sizes, shapes and thicknesses to meet a variety of requirements.
To be fair, a plastic bag won’t cause much harm just by staying in a landfill. Derived from oil and using high density polyethylene, plastic production requires natural resources, it also takes advantage of available resources.
Plastic bags have a lower carbon footprint during production than paper bags. They require less water and energy to produce and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. According to a study conducted by the US EPA, “Plastic bags use 40% less energy to produce and produce 80% less solid waste than paper. Additionally, a pound of plastic requires 91% less energy to recycle than a pound of paper.”
Plastic bags can become enemies of nature when thrown away but when reused properly, these bags can serve a useful purpose for quite a long time. Both lightweight and durable, plastic bags can carry heavy loads without much wear and tear. Their water-resistant nature makes them even more useful, and their size and versatility means they can be folded small and stored neatly for later use.
Overall, it is difficult to say with certainty whether plastic bags are more environmentally friendly than other types of packaging bags, as it depends on factors such as the bag’s life cycle, handling, infrastructure recycling and local environmental priorities. By reusing them thoroughly, both consumers and businesses can benefit from using them in an environmentally friendly way.