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The Bag vs. the Bay
What you can do to stop plastic bag pollution.
Wed, Apr 15 2009 at 2:00 PM

Related Topics:

Green Kids, Plastics, Water Pollution
 
I just had to share this video I saw the other day that highlights the problem of plastic bag pollution in our modern society.  
 
This video is specifically geared towards the San Fransico Bay, but it could have easily been made in the Coos Bay, Biscayne Bay, or even my beloved Cheseapeake Bay.  
 
The statistics may differ, but the reaility is the same: plastic bag pollution is increasing at an alarming rate, affecting our rivers, oceans, and our bays.  
 
Plastic never biodegrades in the water.  
 
Instead, it leaches poisons and chemicals into waterways, wetlands, and the rest of the environment.  
 
Worse still, wildlife often become entangled in plastic bags and mistake pieces of plastic for food.  
 
So what's the answer?
 
For starters, get in the habit of carrying your own reusable bag.
 
Next, lend some support to groups like Save the Bay that are promoting policies to ban or issue a fee for using single-use plastic and paper bags.
 
Ireland instituted a levy on single-use bags in 2002, and in its first year, plastic bag litter dropped by 93% and plastic bag use decreased by about 90%.
 
Seven years later, and these dramatic reductions have become the norm in Ireland.
 
It's the bag vs. the bay...and I really want the bay to win!

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Comment: 1
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anonymous
Dream Weaver Apr 18 2009 at 4:37 PM
I know that American's overconsume more than any country in the world. I know that over 100,000 marine mamals die every year by consuming plastics which they mistake for food. When I say America is lazy, it's not just my opinion. It's the truth. Unlike many who do nothing, I took every penny I had and invested it in making a better reusable bag. Not one made of polypropeline which uses oil, but one that is made out of recycled bottles, because we use over 27 billion of them or more every year too.
.... More
Check out my better bag. For every bag that is sold, precious natural resources are saved. ezgrocerybag dot com is the only site to find the best reusable recycled and compact bag to date. It's been 5 months since I started my company...please support me. Thank you.
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