Environmental Impacts of Paper Bags

The unfortunate reality is that paper bags are not much better for the environment than plastic. It takes roughly 14 million trees to make enough paper bags to meet the demand in the U.S. Paper bags have a 2-fold impact on the environment. First, trees are cut down to make the paper. Living trees absorb greenhouse gases, so cutting trees down for something as frivolous as a paper bag increases the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Second, manufacturing paper bags requires some toxic chemicals that in turn cause air and water pollution. What is really mind blowing is that when you run the numbers paper bags actually take more of an environmental toll than plastic bags. When compared to plastic bags the manufacturing process for paper bags requires four times as much energy, creates 50 times more water pollutants, and 70% more air pollutants. To top it off, it requires 98% more energy to recycle paper bags than it does to recycle plastic bags. The saving grace of paper bags is that the recycling rate is higher, largely due to the fact that most curbside recycling efforts accept paper. Nearly a ton of recycled paper creates about a ton of new paper, whereas 2-3 tons of virgin materials are needed to make virgin paper. The drawback to recycled paper is that it is not as strong, so paper bags constructed from recycled materials will not hold up as well as ones made from virgin paper, and paper can only be recycled about five or seven times before the fibers are too short and it just cannot be used again. Paper bags are also biodegradable, making them great compost. Vegetable-based inks completely break down whereas other types of ink may prevent the bag from being entirely biodegradable.

The only leverage paper bags have over plastic is that they are more likely to be recycled and if they end up as litter they can breakdown over time and do not pose as serious of a health risk to animals if consumed. If more people were aware of just how un-environmentally friendly paper bags are they would be banned along with plastic bags instead of being slapped with a usage fee. The only true eco-friendly solution is reusable shopping bags. Disposable bags whether paper or plastic cause too much harm to the environment. Reusable grocery bags are made from recycled or renewable materials and can deliver several years of service. Best case scenario you may get two or three uses out of a disposable bag. Manufacturing reusable bags from recycled plastics creates a long-term use and function for materials that may otherwise sit in a landfill.

Truly Eco-Friendly Reusable Bags

There are amazing reusable bags available today made from renewable materials like bamboo. A well-made bamboo bag can hang in there for several years and the environmental impacts are almost non-existent. Bamboo grows very quickly and absorbs a large amount of greenhouse gases as it grows, making it the poster child for environmentally friendly materials. It is very durable, but nothing lasts forever so when the day comes that your reusable bamboo shopping bag needs to be replaced you can compost or recycle it, and start over with a new reusable bag.

Paper bags are not perceived as being as bad on the environment that they really are, which is unfortunate. Levying a usage charge against paper bags is a start towards getting more people off paper and onto reusable bags, but banning paper along with plastic may be a better solution. What are your thoughts?

For more facts on paper bags check out http://www.ehow.com/about_5079972_paper-bags.html  and http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/paper/faqs.htm#use.

India's Poorly Enforced Ban

The Delhi government in India passed a ban on plastic bags that began in January 2009. Their story was the same story that has played out in countless U.S. cities. Environmentalists claim the abundance of bags creates a litter crisis. This litter clogs drains, creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitos. India is a country that struggles with poverty, and cramped living conditions coupled with an environment that encourages the spread of disease can lead to public health issues on a massive level. On paper the Delhi ban called to put an end to the production, storage, distribution, and use of plastic bags. The law mandated that biodegradable plastic bags with a minimum thickness of 40 microns are all that is to be allowed in residential areas. Not adhering to these rules can result in fines and possibly jail time. Three years after the ban was put into place many shops still give their customers plastic bags. The logic is cyclical: store owners claim that their competitors continue to give out bags and customers flock to these stores for the convenience, so in order to maintain business they must give their customers disposable bags to carry their goods home. Residents say the law is not enforced and people continue to manufacture and use disposable plastic bags. Some stores and individuals choose not to use disposable bags and stick to reusable cotton bags or bags constructed from other materials. It is unfortunate that the law banning plastic bags is not enforced and the litter and health issues this ban would resolve continue to plague the people of Delhi. For more information on India's ban go to http://www.deccanherald.com/content/219994/shoppers-retailers-still-use-plastic.html.

EU Considers Advantages of Reusable Bags

The European Commission is mulling over a possible ban across the entire European Union. Several countries within the EU already have bans in place or have considered bans. Many European countries do not have a ban, but a fee or tax is charged to customers who use disposable bags, thus encouraging customers to bring reusable grocery bags when they head to the market. Ireland began charging a plastic bag tax in 2002. Some studies have shown that use of plastic bags dropped 90% in response to the tax. Many supporters consider Ireland a model of success and look to mimic their system. Litter was a main motivator for Ireland and is also the primary reason most of Europe backs this movement, especially the negative effect of litter in marine environments. There is a lot of support for banning plastic bags in many EU countries and right now the European Commission is navigating the political waters in regards to how they can implement a ban or a tax on bags. In the meantime individual countries are considering their own options. For more information on the possible EU ban check out http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2012/january/ngos-push-for-eu-plastic-bag-ban/73225.aspx.

Australia's Success Story

In 2009 South Australia put an end to the use of plastic shopping bags. It is estimated that there are 400 million fewer bags in South Australia each year as a result of the ban. South Australia is now leading by example and offering the help the rest of the nation go plastic bag free. What is unique about the southern Aussie approach was that the government worked with retailers, unions, and other groups to design the ban. Care and consideration was taken to make the ban a smooth transition. In other areas where bans have been put into action retailers are usually forces opposed to the ban. By bringing this group into the fold 3 years before the ban was implemented, South Australia has created a success story. To see how South Australia made their ban happen check out http://www.zerowaste.sa.gov.au/plastic-bags. Shoppers from the Northern Territory got on board with the notion of living free from plastic bags and employed their own ban in September of 2011. The environmental implications were the primary issue for the ban. Plastic bags pose serious health risks to marine life. When animals eat plastic bags and other pieces of litter the trash can become lodged and tangled in their digestive system, causing them to die an agonizing and painful death. Removing one-time use plastic bags from the equation lowers the chance of this happening for the short term with the long-term goal of preventing this altogether.

The Virtues of Reusable Shopping Bags

Many groups look at bag bans as a violation of free will and a sneaky move by local governments to charge additional taxes. Consumers who fight or oppose the bans claim that they re-use plastic bags so they are not littering or causing harm to the environment. When plastic bags are used as garbage bags they still end up in garbage dumps. They still collect standing water and they still do not break down in a safe or efficient manner. As long as disposable plastic bags exist there will be litter and the ensuing health issues for both people and animals will continue to mount. Reusable shopping bags save shoppers from paying a tax or fee and are cheaper over the long term. The benefits of reusable bags outweigh the inconvenience of needing to remember to bring the bags when you go shopping and periodically cleaning the bags. It is unfortunate that it has come to enacting laws to protect the health of the environment, wildlife, and even people. It is sad that more people do not choose reusable bags in lieu of plastic bags on their own accord and the governments need to step in to make this happen. Regardless, the positive impact of life without plastic bags is taking root. Communities are cleaner, nicer places to live and wildlife is not put in harm's way.

What is sometimes overlooked is the marketing advantage of reusable bags. When a company imprints their logo on the side of a reusable shopping bag this increases their visibility and brand recognition. The bags may be intended to carry groceries home, but the opportunities to use them are endless. Customers, or rather your unofficial mobile advertising team, may use your bag to carry their lunch to work, or papers home from the office, or use it as a gym or beach bag. Students may use it as a school bag or kids can even use it when they head to a friend's house for a sleepover. A customized reusable bag is a constant marketing tool that people bring into their homes and the places they work and play, and your logo can be put on display the whole time. Aside from getting your logo or a specific branding point noticed, reusable bags also send a more subtle message. They let people know that your company is aware of the environmental hazards of plastic bags and that you are willing to do something about it. Your company is an environmental ally. Even the material your bag is made from can make a statement. RPET bags are made from recycled plastic bottles while bamboo and jute bags are constructed from natural, renewable fibers.

Many consumers see plastic bag bans as a negative, but you can position your company to save the day and distribute eco-friendly reusable bags when shoppers are faced with paying a fee to use plastic bags or buying reusable bags. Taking care of your clients may establish a sense of loyalty and an appreciation for your company within pockets of people who oppose bag bans or those who do not have strong feelings on the issue. Those who already support environmental issues will value and welcome your company's decision to embrace reusable bags and promote sustainability. Either way, reusable bags can be a tremendous marketing tool that will get your company seen.

The topic of banning plastic bags is not going away anytime soon. This worldwide issue can be polarizing, but it can also be an environmental and promotional boon. As cities and countries across the globe grapple with the environmental effects of using plastics bags, and the political impact of banning disposable bags the worldwide community is still at risk and there will continue to be passionate discussions both for and against such bans. The health and environmental issues are many and the simple solution is reusable bags. Reusable bags can find a use for recycled materials and prevent the need and demand of new disposable bags. They are less likely to end up as litter and many reusable bags are biodegradable or recyclable, so we can learn and grow from our experiences with disposable plastic bags.

Madison already had a curbside recycling program in place so the decision was made to allow residents to dispose of their plastic bags in their curbside recycling bins. The guidelines are simple: most bags are included, such as grocery, retail, produce, and newspaper bags, as well as bread bags, food storage bags and other plastic bags marked as No. 2 or No. 4 plastic. Residents are being asked to place all of their bags inside a large bag and tie the exterior bag to ensure everything is contained. The city asks this in order to prevent the bags from becoming entangled in the sorting equipment once they are picked up, but it also serves to prevent loose bags from being carried off by the wind and blown away, creating litter.

Reusable Bags and Sustainability

Madison has a great track record of recycling plastic bags and they should serve as a model to other cities. Many cities focus on banning bags, which is a fantastic long-term goal, but upping efforts to recycle addresses the issue of what to do with the plastic bags already out there. The next logical step after successfully recycling plastic bags is making the switch to reusable shopping bags. Reusable bags are constructed to be more durable than the one-and-done bags grocers hand out, so there is a clear functional advantage since you can carry more goods in fewer bags. Reusable bags also come in a variety of materials, so you can find something that works to meet your needs or something that just speaks to you. For instance, jute is a renewable material that can create a bohemian-chic look and since the fibers are natural it can go back from whence it came. You can compost your bag when it becomes old and worn since the material is biodegradable. RPET bags on the other hand are made from recycled plastics. This sturdy material comes in a variety of finishes and can be imprinted with full-color graphics for an eye-catching look. The bags are also waterproof so they can contain spills or leaks and hold up on rainy days, unlike paper bags.

Reusable grocery bags are definitely a piece of the puzzle when it comes to sustainability and social responsibility regarding the environment. Just about everyone understands that plastic disposable bags are not the best call when it comes to the environment, some people feel motivated to take action on this while others do not. Simply making the switch from disposable to reusable bags is not enough. We cannot just turn our backs on the millions of plastic bags currently out there. They need to be disposed of properly, they need to be recycled. The beauty of recycling plastic bags is that they can come back as something better, something useful, like composite lumber, or pallets, or pipe.

The sad reality is that only a small fraction of the bags handed out end up being recycled, and if the bags are not recycled they can pose harm to the environment and wildlife. Madison is the exception because the current recycling efforts in most places are not enough. Madison's plan is so smart because it is so simple. They found a way to increase plastic bag recycling and along the way changed their plan to fit their needs and keep costs down. This program also reduces litter and helps the environment. For more information about Madison's recycling efforts, check out http://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/documents/recyclopedia.pdf.

The Success of the Bottle Bill

The goal of these bottle bills is to reduce trash and encourage recycling. Keeping non-biodegradable bottles and cans out of landfills saves space for items that will safely break down over time, and allows bottles and cans to be recycled into useful products. By attaching a monetary value to empty cans and bottles it discourages people from littering. Unfortunately some people still litter, but there are also people who are all too willing to pick up that litter and turn it in for the deposit, thus showing the power of the program. Not only does this law discourage litter, it also
encourages people to pick up litter, at least specific types of litter. There have been a lot of studies conducted on these programs and it is believed that roadside litter is reduced between 30% and 64% in states with bottle deposit bills. New York State claims litter has been reduced by 75% and that 70-80% of all bottles and cans with a deposit sold are returned. Michigan claims to have a 100% return rate, although Michigan also offers a 10-cent deposit which is one of the highest. A hidden benefit of the bill is unclaimed deposits. Connecticut, Maine, Michigan, and Massachusetts use unclaimed deposits to fund environmental programs in their respective states. Hawaii uses unclaimed monies to help cover the cost of the program.

Since this program encourages and increases recycling there is more opportunity to create new products from recycled materials, products such as reusable water bottles and reusable shopping bags. Bags made from recycled plastic bottles are sturdy and water-proof, which are both really handy traits for grocery bags. RPET bags are designed to last for several years and they too can be recycled when they become worn, so you can keep the cycle going. The primary perk of reusable grocery bags is that they reduce the demand and the use of disposable plastic bags, which much like the bottles and cans covered by the bottle bills are not biodegradable and are often tossed on streets and sidewalks as litter. The bottle bill is not directly responsible for the increase of reusable shopping bags, but it is a lucky break that allows people to be better stewards of the environment. The success of the bottle bill should not just be measured in the decrease of litter and reduction of plastics in landfills, but also in the alternate uses found for materials salvaged because of it.

Reusable Water Bottles Up the Environmental Ante

There is no doubt that the various versions on this program are a positive change. Any program that reduces litter and encourages recycling is helping the environment. Where this program misses the mark is that it still encourages the use of plastic and glass bottles and aluminum cans. The existing material can be recycled into new bottles and cans, but there is still a demand for these products, so they are still being created. Reducing the need for beverage bottles and cans is a better, more environmentally friendly solution. Do your part by using reusable water bottles, especially if you live in a state that does not have their own take on a bottle bill. Filling a reusable water bottle at home reduces the demand and in time the production of bottled water. The bottle bill is at the discretion of each state and many of the bills do not include water bottles, so there is little incentive to recycle them. Without the incentive they can end up in landfills or as litter. In the same way reusable shopping bags help reduce litter and prevent non-biodegradable plastics from being hauled off to the landfill, using a reusable water bottle helps reduce the demand and lets you put an end to litter and the irresponsible dumping of non-biodegradable materials in landfills. Disposable plastic bags and water bottles do not safely break down so the more of these items we can keep out of garbage dumps and our community the better. Reusable products, like water bottles and bags let you control or limit the demand. Buying larger bottles of juice or soda and filling your reusable bottle to take on the go can also prove to be more cost effective, so you can help your bottom line as you help the environment.

Reusable water bottles have come a long way. They come in a variety of materials, feature different lid types, and can be flashy or subdued accessories, depending on what you pick out. They can be emblazoned with statements or just be handy vessels to keep you hydrated on a bike ride or hike. The bottle bill is an excellent program that definitely increases recycling; however, a reusable water bottle is a great way to reduce the need and consumption of one-time use bottles and cans.

For more information on the Bottle Bill check out - http://www.bottlebill.org

The Reusable Bag Plan

Under the most recent draft that is soon to be released, shoppers can bring reusable grocery bags when they head to the store or pay a fee to use disposable bags starting as early as March 2012 with the all-out ban taking effect as early as March 2013 or as late as 2016. Once the ban is in place retailers will only be able to offer their customers reusable bags. Acceptable reusable bags offered by stores have been defined as thick plastic bags with at least 50% recycled content or thick paper bags with 100% recycled content. Shoppers are free to bring their own bags made from other materials. This staged approach is intended to give consumers and retailers the opportunity to prepare and get used to life without one-time use bags. Austin's bag ban does not include bags given out at pharmacies or restaurants in order to protect customer's privacy and ensure food safety.

The benefits of banning plastic bags are many. While disposable bags are recyclable only a small percentage actually ends up being recycled. Most plastic bags end up in landfills or as litter which is extremely unsafe given that the bags are not biodegradable. Plastic bags will break down over time, but it takes many decades and harmful chemical compounds are released in the process. These compounds can leach into water supplies damaging wildlife habitats and compromising drinking water. Banning bags may seem extreme, but by removing the demand there will be fewer bags in circulation and over time there will be fewer bags littering streets and taking up space in landfills.

Drawing Inspiration from Brownsville

Austin's ban is based largely on the ban enacted in Brownsville, Texas. The city of Brownsville first proposed the ban after a hurricane swept through the area and flood waters could not drain due to discarded plastic bags clogging the drainage system. Brownsville had long been plagued by unsightly litter that mostly consisted of plastic bags. Since the bags are so light they can easily be picked up by wind and blown down streets and sidewalks until they are deposited in trees or canals where they pose serious risk to local wildlife and are just plain ugly to look at. The best solution Brownsville could come up with was banning the use of plastic bags altogether. There are clear environmental advantages to the ban, less litter, less risk to animals and their habitats, less non-biodegradable trash in landfills, and just a cleaner, more inviting community to live in. Brownsville also had financial and functional motivation since the litter was impacting the canal and drainage systems. Most cities that have opted to ban bags, such as San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Seattle have done so primarily for environmental reasons, but Brownsville's initial reason is no less valid. A year after the ban was put into place there is noticeably less litter in Brownsville and no matter where you stand on the environmental issues you have to admit that clean, litter-free streets and sidewalks make for a nice place to live or visit. Doing right by the environment is just icing on the cake in this instance. The path Brownsville forged is guiding others to lives free of plastic bags and litter.

Reusable Grocery Bags to the Rescue

Reusable bags fill the void left by plastic bags. Stocking up on reusable shopping bags means fewer plastic bags are put into circulation so fewer bags will be tossed into landfills, or worse yet tossed onto parks and roadways. Many reusable bags are even made from recycled materials and can be recycled themselves when they become worn and just can't cut it anymore for an ecological spin on paying it forward. Bags can be made from jute, cotton, and even bamboo, so you are sure to find a bag that fits your needs and beliefs. Reusable bags are not all eco savvy and good looks. Reusable bags are designed to hold more than a disposable bag which is great news if you use public transportation or walk to the grocery store or bodega. One reusable bag can do the job of several disposable bags, and reusable bags typically feature long shoulder straps for comfortable, hands-free carrying, so the days of plastic handles digging into your hands or arm will become a faint, distant memory. Even if you get your groceries home via your car, making the switch to reusable bags typically means fewer trips to get everything inside.

There are many reasons why cities choose to ban plastic bags and individuals decide to give reusable bags a go. While the negative environmental impact of using plastic bags can be alarming, there are other drawbacks that are equally alarming and upsetting. The plastic bag ban movement is picking up steam, so even if there isn't talk of banning bags in your city today you never know what tomorrow will bring, and you don't need to wait for politicians to tell you what to do. If you haven't yet, consider making the switch to reusable bags, they're better for the environment and your community, and this way if a ban is put into place you will be ahead of the curve.

For More on this story check out- http://www.dailytexanonline.com/news/2012/01/18/new-draft-excuses-restaurants-bag-ban

There are definitely large scale ways to reduce your carbon footprint, like installing solar panels or a windmill to power your home, or trading in your gas guzzler for a hybrid car. Big changes absolutely help the environment and may even be a smart move financially, but they may not be the best move for you. Solar panels and windmills are expensive to purchase and setup, but once you're up and running your monthly expenses are often less, so in no time you'll recoup the startup cost. Your neighbors may be none too pleased with your decision to install a large, imposing windmill so weigh all of the pros and cons and check with your local building inspector and ordinances before you make any big moves.

Small Moves that Pack a Punch

You don't have to make grand gestures or go off the grid to reduce your carbon footprint. Small changes certainly make a difference and day in and day out these small changes can add up to a mighty big impact. Reusable grocery bags are a quick and easy way to reduce your carbon footprint. It is estimated that each year Americans use 1 billion disposable plastic bags. Consider how many plastic bags you bring home each time you go to the store. It adds up.  You should also note that one reusable bag typically holds the same as two or three disposable bags, so you can carry the same amount of groceries in fewer bags. Stocking up on reusable bags won't break the bank since you'll need fewer to get the job done.  When looking into reusable shopping bags think about the material. Cotton and polyester bags can simply be tossed into a washing machine from time to time to keep them clean and ready for action. RPET bags made from recycled plastic bottles are water-resistant, so if packaging leaks or if condensation forms on frozen items the bag will contain the mess and moisture. The best way to clean bags made from recycled plastics is to wipe them down with disinfectant cleaner, or rinse with antibacterial soap and water and line dry.  The plastic material cannot handle the warm temperatures it can encounter in a washing machine or dryer. Making the switch to reusable bags will impact your carbon footprint right away, and over time less demand leads to less production, so big changes can happen.

Hitting up your local farmer's market is another great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Locally grown food travels a shorter distance than say the produce in your grocery store that possibly came from a different region or maybe even a different country. Picking up produce at a farmer's market allows you to enjoy fresh foods that are not packaged in non- biodegradable plastic bins. Buying local also gives you the chance to speak with the people who grew the food, so you can make sure items were grown organic or pesticide-free if these traits are important to you.  Before you head out to a farmer's market remember to bring your reusable shopping bags to carry your goods home. Buying local is a nice way to support people in your community and it helps minimize your carbon footprint.

Quenching Your Carbon Footprint

Say goodbye to bottled water and pick up a couple reusable water bottles. Bottled water has a massive carbon footprint due to the plastic used to make the bottles and the fuel burned to transport the water from the source to stores all over. Studies have shown that bottled water is not any better than regular tap water (which is significantly cheaper), and in some blind studies people have picked tap water as tasting better than the bottled version. Reusable water bottles keep you hydrated on the go and limit the demand for expensive bottled water. Just like reusable bags, reusable water bottles came in a variety of materials and styles so pick what works best for you. Stainless-steel is durable and easy to clean, while recycled plastic gives new life to what was once trash. You can easily take an eco water bottle along to the gym, or on hikes or bike rides, consider keeping a reusable water bottle at work so you don't need to use disposable cups. Disposable drinking containers only increase your carbon footprint.

On the topic of staying hydrated, when you swing by your local coffee shop have your barista fill a reusable travel mug instead of serving you coffee in a disposable cup. Styrofoam and plastic cups do not break down no matter how long they sit in a landfill, and the plastic-like coating that makes paper cups waterproof prevents the cup from being biodegradable. Another advantage to travel mugs is that they tend to be better at insulating hot coffee or tea so your drink stays warmer longer. The insulated design keeps the exterior cool to the touch which many disposable cups do not, so you can safely and comfortably carry your morning joe  without burning your fingers or racking up unnecessary carbon emissions. A lot of coffee shops even offer a discount if you bring your own travel mug so it's worth looking into.

Small changes in your everyday activities can help reduce your carbon footprint and may also save you some cash along the way. There are other ways to reduce, or more appropriately, offset your carbon footprint. You can calculate your footprint (http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx) and fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions or reforestation efforts to counteract your impact. It comes down to what lifestyle choices you feel comfortable making. Bringing a reusable shopping bag to the store or keeping a travel coffee mug handy are minor decisions that may not seem like a big deal, but can pile up pretty quickly.

The ban has been a hot topic in Seattle. Opponents claim the ban is oppressive and that reusable bags are potentially dangerous, bacteria breeding grounds. Those in favor of the ban cite that only 13% of disposable bags put into circulation in their city are recycled. That leaves the remaining 87%, or roughly 252 million plastic bags unaccounted for. The exact breakdown is not known, but it is safe to say that some of these disposable bags will find their way to landfills after they find a second life lining a garbage can or cleaning up while walking the dog. Some bags may not even get a second chance and will go straight in the trash once the groceries are put away. Regardless, disposal bags do not belong in landfills; it can take generations for plastic bags to breakdown and in the meantime they collect standing water which creates the ideal conditions for mosquito larva, leading to a slew of possible health hazards. Unfortunately, plastic bags ending up in a landfill may be a lesser evil of all possible outcomes. If plastic bags are not recycled or tossed into a landfill they probably end up discarded as litter. Once the lightweight bags are picked up by the wind they can be transported to bodies of water or other habitats where they can entangle animals and wreak environmental havoc.

Reusable grocery bags are the logical solution. Reusable shopping bags can be made from cotton, jute, bamboo, polyester, and a number of other materials. Many reusable grocery bags are made from polypropylene which itself is made from recycled plastic bottles. The sturdy construction of reusable eco-friendly bags oftentimes allows one reusable bag to do the job of several disposable bags, so you can carry more groceries in fewer trips. Many reusable bags also have comfortable shoulder straps that make light work of carrying heavy groceries.

One of the main criticisms charged against reusable grocery bags is that when items in the bag leak and the material is soiled it becomes a safe-haven for bacteria, and before you know it you and your family will become ill, and as long as you continue to use bacteria-infested bags you will contaminate food brought into your home. There have been many studies conducted on this topic and the findings are often presented in a misleading fashion. Bacteria are everywhere. Yes, bacteria can take hold of reusable bags, but it can do the same in disposable bags which many people repurpose, and therefor run the risk of cross-contamination. Unlike disposable bags, reusable bags can be cleaned, and you should clean your reusable bags on a regular basis. You clean your kitchen counters and the shelves in your refrigerator and any other surface in your home that routinely comes into contact with uncooked food whether packaged or not, so it makes sense that you also clean your reusable bags.

Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon of Burien, WA, Seattle's neighbor to the west, is looking to implement Seattle's ban at a state level. If this ban were to become a state law it would make Washington the first state to ban the use of disposable plastic bags in retail stores. Those who support the ban understand they have an uphill battle and it may be years before such a ban is officially put into place. Regardless of the political discourse reusable grocery bags are a smart and environmentally friendly choice. You do not need to wait for your city or state to pass a law to stop using disposable plastic bags. Start carrying reusable, eco-friendly bags today and become a steward of the environment.

This proof of the rapid take-up of BPA from canned soups isn't the first time that BPA has been shown to get into the human body with ease. Previous studies have shown that over 90% of pregnant women have BPA in their blood – and that high levels of BPA in mothers may be a factor in changing the behavior of their children. Such effects, passed on from mothers to their children, may result because BPA has been shown in tests to disrupt brain development in other mammals, such as mice.

The source of this BPA isn't in dispute. As well as being used in the plastic films that line cans of processed foods, like soup, BPA is heavily used in many plastics as a softener. So it is often found in plastic bottles, the teats of baby bottles, as well as in containers for everything from milk to soft-drinks.

But there is controversy – some studies and scientists have proclaimed that BPA, at low levels at least, is not a hazard. Such differences of opinion mean that legislation to ban BPA use is spotty across the US, and the world. Last year Maine tried to join Connecticut, Minnesota and Chicago, in banning BPA from baby bottles, teats and infant formula tubs. France, Denmark and Turkey have followed suit, while in Japan, the plastics industry has tried replacing BPA-releasing plastics in many containers.

It is this patchwork-quilt response that has many consumers worried. It remains difficult to know for sure which drinks and foodstuffs are being stored in containers that are high in BPA. In these confusing circumstances, a cautious approach is being adopted by many – turning to plastic products that are certified BPA-free. A recent paper has confirmed that such BPA-free alternatives do exactly what they say on the label – helping consumers to bypass the controversy of risks from BPA exposure.

This is an area that Factory Direct Promos has long identified as being of concern – so we offer a wide range of drink containers that are both reusable and BPA-free. Whether durable aluminum or steel water bottles, or biodegradable and recycled plastic drink dispensers, our eco-friendly drinkware range boldly stakes out our ideals: to reduce pollution, save energy, and cut-out waste. All the while guarding the safety and health of those using our products.

Plus, with our efficient direct-dealing strategy, you and your business win too – reaping reduced costs, while gaining eco-credits, from the customized eco-solutions such as reusable grocery bags supplied by Factory Direct Promos.

Americans throw away some 250 million tons of municipal waste each and every year – a number that has trebled since the 1960s. And though households are guilty of the biggest pile of that garbage mountain, companies, hospitals, schools and other institutions also rack up around 100 million tons of trash annually. It's sad to say that the majority of that waste is still heading for a hole in a ground –  maybe 55% of US waste was buried in landfill sites in 2010 – even if that hole is prepared with a little more care than in the past.

Leaky landfills can be reduced by reusable bags

The modern landfill site is engineered to avoid the most glaring of environmental hazards – contaminated water supplies. As well as having a thick layer of impermeable clay in the base, landfill pits these days are lined with plastic sheeting, and criss-crossed with pipes. These pipes are meant to help ease the big landfill pollution headache – 'leachate'. This hazard forms when rainwater trickles down through the accumulated plastics, tin cans, abandoned rubber tires and discarded consumer electrical goods. Along the way it picks potentially dangerous compounds, from plastics, chemicals and metals; and so clean rainwater becomes a polluted 'leachate'.

The combination of liners and pipes should allow for the collection of this potentially hazardous water, which can be trucked off for treatment, before it hits local water supplies. In theory at least. The problem in practice is that, over time, these systems can break down. Liners become corroded and split; pipes can block or fracture or fill with sediment; clay shifts and cracks. Because of this, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency believes that all landfill sites should be considered as inevitably headed towards leaking into the environment.

And it's not just 'leachate' that puts landfills on the ecological blacklist. The organic parts of the buried trash start to rot. Without oxygen, that rotting tends to produce gaseous nasties, such as methane – a potent greenhouse gas, which is heating-up the planet. And all of the stuff that has been tipped into the landfill has previously been mined and manufactured – or grown and processed – using a great deal of energy and raw materials. It is now widely recognized that just burying our refuse is a terrible waste, in our resource-constrained planet.

Zero tolerance

No wonder, then, that many businesses, rather than just trimming their garbage headed to the landfill, are now looking to the ultimate solution – a 'zero waste to landfill' strategy. Not only are such companies boosting their environmental credentials – important in today's difficult market – they are cutting costs too. Switching to recycling and generating energy from waste can provide useful revenue. From Boeing's new Dreamliner factory, to ethical carpeting company Milliken, more businesses and organizations are pledging that 'the only way is down' – to zero landfill waste.

One way for companies to take the first step on the road to 'reduce, reuse, recycle' is to cut out throw-away products from their offerings. Switching to reusable bags, instead throw-away plastic bags, is one such step. Plastics make up over 30 million tons of the US total waste-stream, but only 7% of this was actually recovered for recycling, in 2010. Far better, then, to opt for bags that can be used again and again – such as those offered in Factory Direct Promos range of eco-friendly Reusable Bags.

Encompassing a wide scope of recycled and natural materials – such as recycled bottle bags, eco-totes or jute bags – one or more of these customizable reusable shopping bags is bound to meet you and your customers' requirements. Not only will you be helping your customers to avoid stuffing yet more plastic into landfills –  they'll be using less energy, be responsible for less plastic contamination, and be trimming back on their carbon emissions, too. A win for the planet, a feel-good factor for your customers – and hopefully more business heading your way. Nothing garbage about that.

It's called 'the golden fiber', and its long glistening threads are often touted as one the most environmentally-friendly of fabrics. But whether jute is found easing your load when shopping, woven into sustainable clothing – or even spun into a fine faux silk – how do those claims of being the green material of choice stack up? What lies behind the push to make jute the eco-fabric of our time?

Jute is a fiber with a long history – grown and used by people living on the flat river plains of Bangladesh, for hundreds of years. In the last century or so its strength and durability – as well as its low cost – led to jute being put to use across the world, in sacking, ropes and bags. However, over the last 50 years, the synthetic fibers and plastics of the petrochemical industry put paid to many of those uses. Now, as people have begun to realize the damage wrought by industrial pollution – and a throw-away plastic bag culture – natural materials are on the rise again.

And jute has become one of the naturally-grown materials leading the eco-aware textiles renaissance. But that is not just simply because its fibers come from green plants, rather than from an energy-burning petrochemical complex. The jute plant is also one of the simplest, and lowest impact, textile crops to cultivate. It is a fast-growing plant, that shoots up to 12-feet high in a matter of months – with a minimum of water, pesticide or fertilizer required. Its leaves form a valuable fertilizer in their own right, and jute stems can be used for cooking fuel – helping to avoid a creeping deforestation sweeping many tropical forests.

That compares to a rather poorer environmental track record for cotton, the world's dominant natural fabric. Cotton is behind half of the total pesticides use for all of India's agriculture – despite being grown on just a twentieth of India's land. That high pesticide use is bad for the environment, and worse still for the health of farm workers. And in many countries, cotton is a vast drain on local water resources – only able to grow when plied with water pumped from the ground, for its irrigation. Large volumes of water are involved in cotton processing and bleaching, too.

Jute, by contrast, makes relatively little use of water. The stems are soaked in water, in a process called retting, to loosen the fibers; this can affect the local water supply for a short period. But new methods of retting – for example ribbon retting – are helping to reduce even that light burden. Above all, jute is the ultimate renewable textile. It comes from the soil, and is readily returned to it, composting back very quickly. That makes worries about waste, when the fabric is past its useful life, redundant.

The one drawback with jute is that it is a relatively coarse fabric – and so it is often mixed with organic cotton, when used in clothing and bedding products, for example. But with that coarseness comes great strength. This is what makes jute fabrics ideal for use in bags – such as Factory Direct Promos Custom Jute Bag. These reusable bags are made from 100% natural jute, and are exceptionally durable.

The jute Factory Direct Promos custom reusable grocery bags can also be customized with your company logo or message. So, as well as allowing you to reap all the environmental benefits of jute, your organization will gain a strong association with those same benefits, too. And maybe you can be proud to be part of the weaving of the golden-green future of this amazing fabric.