Paper Summary:

This paper argues for the use of reusable shopping bags in place of plastic shopping bags. The paper describes the environmental dangers of plastic bags, noting that the material used in the manufacture of plastic bags is notoriously polluting. Additionally, the paper points out that plastic bags are polluters of the waterways and the oceans, which has a severely detrimental effect on the environment and the ecosystems in nature. The paper then lists the many advantages of reusable bags. The paper concludes that the danger posed by plastic and other forms of non-reusable containers and bags is a threat to the environment, one that cannot be ignored.

Outline:

The Danger of Non-Reusable Bags
The Advantages of Reusable Bags
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Plastic bags are also notorious polluters of the waterways and the oceans - which has a severely detrimental effect on the environment and the ecosystems in nature. When natural environments are polluted by plastic bags the natural balance is upset, which in turn leads to negative environmental consequences. It is estimated that every hour about 200,000 plastic bags are land filled, where they "...break down into smaller, more toxic petro-polymers which eventually contaminate soils and waterways " (Knight, 2007, para. 8).
"Plastic is also responsible for the death of many animals, which further disturbs the delicate balance in nature and creates environmental damage. As one commentator notes, "There are people that use plastic bags that have no qualms about tossing them into the water, onto the street or into the trash. Some animals then ingest it or get stuck inside it and die" (The Benefits of Using Reusable Bags). The horrendous effect that non-reusable plastic bags can have on wildlife is stated in the following report.
"The effect on wildlife can be catastrophic, with birds becoming terminally entangled and, according to a World Wildlife Fund report in 2005, they affect nearly 200 different species of sea life (including whales, dolphins, seals and turtles) which die after ingesting plastic bags which they mistake for food."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Benefits of Reusable. Retrieved September 4, 2009, from http://www.reusablebagsdepot.com/reusable-bag-benefits.html
• Go green! Benefits of reusable bags. Retrieved September 4, 2009, from http://www.helium.com/items/976541-go-green-benefits-of-reusable-bags
• Knight M. (2007) Plastic bags fly into environmental storm. Retrieved September 4, 2009, from http://edition.cnn.com/2007/TECH/11/14/fsummit.climate.plasticbags/index.html
• Single-Use Plastic Shopping Bags. Presentation to the Transportation and Environment Committee. (October 13, 2008) Retrieved September 4, 2009, fromhttp://209.85.229.132/search?q=cache:mFYBAtwG4J:dallascityhall.com/committee_briefings/briefings1008/TEC_plasticBagPolicy_10132008.pdf+Environmental+Benefits+of+Reusable+Bags&cd=19&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=za&client=firefox-a
• The Benefits of Using Reusable Bags. Retrieved September 4, 2009, from http://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-living/articles/13792.aspx

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