There’s a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to plastic, especially plastic bags. On this April Fool’s Day, let’s examine myths that can fool you.
Myth: Plastic bags can’t be recycled.
Fact: Nothing could be further from the truth. More than 832 million pounds of plastic bags and product wraps were recycled in 2008, a 28 percent increase in just three years. In fact, the rate of recycling plastic bags and wraps has doubled since 2005 to reach 13% nationally, and it continues to climb. Recycled plastic bags and wraps are used to make durable backyard decking materials, other home building products, shopping carts and new bags.
Myth: Paper bags are better for the environment.
Fact: Many people don’t realize that plastic bags require 70 percent less energy to manufacture, produce 50 percent less greenhouse gas emissions and create five times less waste than paper bags.
Myth: Yogurt cups, butter tubs and cottage cheese containers aren’t recyclable.
Fact: Depends on where you live. More and more California communities are recycling these types of containers. Currently 62% of California’s communities recycle plastic containers in addition to bottles. Check to see if your community recycles them.
Instead of getting caught up in these common myths, Californians across the state are taking a basic approach: reduce, reuse, recycle.
How? Nearly every major retailer sells inexpensive reusable bags, so consumers can easily pick up a reusable bag on any shopping trip, and then they can bring their own. 90% of consumers already reuse plastic grocery bags at home to pack their kids’ lunches, to line their trash cans and to clean up after their dogs. And with innovative new recycling programs spanning the state, consumers can return any leftover plastic bags to larger grocery stores for recycling.
Visit http://www.plasticbagfacts.org/default.aspx to learn more.
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Tags: California Recycling, Plastic Bag Recycling, Plastic Bags, Plastic Recycling, Reducing Waste