We often vacation in Maui. About two years ago, we found that local environmental activists had successfully pressured the county government to prohibit plastic bags in many retail shops, including Safeway. Activists claimed that plastic bags were blowing into the water and hurting the aquatic life. I’ve been snorkeling in Maui for three decades. The number of bags I’ve encountered is less than 10, probably half that. More frequently, I encounter articles of clothing or swim fins, etc.
At first, it seemed that the environmentalists were trying to solve a minor problem by substituting an impractical solution, called paper bags. The problem is that paper bags are prone to rip open, especially should they get wet, even damp. Cold products such as white wine, frozen food, ice cream, etc., condense water when the relative humidity is high, as it is often in the islands. Plus, some leafy produce is also kept wet in the display case, and is still wet post-checkout. We can usually make it from the store to the car, but we have had several instances where the bags simply failed due to lack of wet strength while carrying them from the car to our refrigerator.
Recently, I received the September 15, 2014 Chemical and Engineering News1 that attributes the current fad of outlawing their use to a commercial concern, “ChicoBag,” headed by Mr. Andy Keller. His business model appears to be to drastically restrict free plastic bags, forcing people to use paper, which will fail, or buy upscale bags from firms such as ChicoBags.
To do this, Mr. Keller has coopted the environmental lobby to attack plastic “single use” as a frivolous use of hydrocarbons. “Bag Man” even made the front cover. Plastic bags were called “urban tumbleweeds.” This is a very effective smear campaign.
The most common plastic bag is made from polyethylene. One pound makes about 60 to 70 bags. The CEN report compares fresh water consumption: plastic 40 gal/1000 bags; 1000 gal for paper.
Unfortunately, the CEN labels plastic bags as “single use.” Not in our home. We use them for wrapping pies and breads for our freezer, lining trash cans, picking up animal waste, storing household items, etc. If the extras accumulate, we return the bags to the store for recycling. The CEN report also claims that paper bags have higher capacity. Not in Maui—the stores routinely double bag paper bags and even then they are seldom packed more than a quarter full with heavy items such as meat, cans, or liquids.
CEN’s data show that paper and upscale bags have a much larger energy, water, and greenhouse gas emission impact, unless they are reused several times. Plus, reuse also runs the risk of microbial contamination.
My take on all this is to let the consumer decide. We are very good about making rational choices. I think the environmental activists do not realize or respect that the public is generally conscious of environmental impacts. We can and do consider them in making selections. Restricting choice is not respectful. Should this legislation continue, I’ll be less inclined to favorably consider their appeals for support, particularly financial support. And I don’t think I’m alone.
Reference
- Tullio, A.H. Breaking the bag habit. Chem. Eng. News Sept. 15, 2014, 12 & ff.
Robert L. Stevenson, Ph.D., is Editor, American Laboratory/Labcompare; e-mail: [email protected].