While using plastic bags at the grocery store are convenient for the time being, they are not convenient for the Earth
The use of plastic bags has become so widespread, that a significant amount of plastic waste ends up in nature, especially in the ocean. According to National Geographic, about 8 million tons of plastic ends up in the ocean each year. When a plastic bag is littered, no matter how far inland, it can be carried to the sea by wind and rivers. Millions of different animals are harmed or killed from plastic polluting the waters. Many animals such as fish, birds, turtles, whales, etc. will consume this plastic thinking it is edible. This causes animals to starve, or it may physically damage their internal organs.
| Animal | How it is affected by plastic bags | Endangered (Y or N) |
|---|---|---|
| Turtles | Over 1000 die every year | Yes |
| Whale Sharks | Plastic piles up in the stomach and prevents nutrient intake | Yes |
| Seagulls | Plastic may puncture organs | No |
| Citations: Ocean Blue Project |
In the past few decades, plastic use has increased significantly and continues to do so. In fact, plastic production is expected to double by the year 2050. Since humans were the cause of the start of plastic bags and just plastic in general ending up in the ocean and in nature, it is also our job to help prevent it from getting any worse. If we do not do anything to help, the world will just continue to be polluted, and hundreds of animal species will be at risk of going extinct. Here are just a few options of ways to prevent plastic bags ending up in nature: