THE BIG PLASTIC BAG DEBATE
PAPER – PLASTIC - REUSABLE
WHY THE BIG DEBATE?
• Some cities believe• Plastic bags are a litter issue
• Plastic bags are a landfill issue
• Plastic bags are an environmental issue
• Plastic bags are a political issue
• Plastic bags are a revenue issue
WHY THE BIG DEBATE?
• Most retailers believe• Plastic bags are cost effective
• Plastic bags should be recycled
• Plastic bags are re-usable
• Plastic bags create jobs
• Plastic bags can be environmentally safe
• Plastic bags reduce fuel costs
PAPER VS. PLASTICWHAT’S THE REAL COST?
•Paper bags more expensive - $4,000-$100,000 annually•Paper bags 7:1 volume•Plastic bag tax costs customers•Plastics use 40% less energy•Paper bags generate 70% more emissions and 50 times more water use•Plastic bags take up less space in the landfill
WHAT’S THE STORY ON REUSABLE BAGS?
• Made in China
• Not recyclable
• Contains lead
• Can grow bacteria, including E. coli
• Takes up more space in landfills
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?
RECYCLE
• Plastic bags
• Produce bags
• Bread bags
• Newspaper bags
• Dry cleaner bags
Are all 100% Recyclable!
REDUCE
• Train clerks to bag properly – more items per bag
REUSE
• Plastic bags can be used for:• Trash liners
• School lunches
• Pet waste disposal
• Wet diapers
THE TRA AUSTIN PLAN
• A solution to reduce plastic bags
• Encourage the use of reusable bags
• Promote plastic recycling
• Track progress
• Promote sale of products made from recycled plastic
THE DETAILS
• Plastic bag licensing fee
• Credits for recycling
• Reductions and training
WHAT CAN WE ALL DO?
• Use reusable bags
• Do not request a bag for small purchases
• Reuse your plastic (t-shirt) bags
• Recycle all plastic
• After use, tie in a knot
• Visit www.abagslife.com