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When are reusable bags more eco-friendly than single use plastic bags?
The more you use them the more eco-friendly they become…
A UK study concluded that whatever type of bag is used, the key to reducing the impact is to reuse it as many times as possible.
Studies have shown that conventional disposable bags have a lower environmental impact than reusable bags if you compare them for a single use.
As you use a reusable bag over and over, it becomes more environmentally friendly than disposable bags.
The minimum number of times each bag must be reused in order to be more environmentally friendly than a single use disposable bag varies:
- Cotton tote bag – 173 times
- Typical fold up reusable bag – non-woven polypropylene (PP) – 14 times
- Paper bag – 4 times
- Recycled plastic bag – 2 times or less
Get the full breakdown here: Disposable vs Reusable: Environmental Impact Evaluation
Reusing the bags at least this number of times ensures that they have a lower global warming potential and are more eco-friendly than conventional disposable HDPE bags you get at checkout.
Do reusable bags really reduce my environmental footprint?
Yes, absolutely – but only if you use them again and again.
In terms of sustainability, reusable bags are just like many other products that we buy. Whether we buy clothes or shoes, furniture or food, it’s more eco-friendly if we use it to its fullest potential.
Throwing away unused or under-utilized items is a waste of resources, so don’t just buy a reusable bag – use it, reuse it… then use it some more.
Article Courtesy of David Evans March 01, 2018
