by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
You may think you are “going green” and helping the environment by buying those cheap (non-woven) polypropylene bags you see in the grocery store, instead of using the old style plastic, for polypropylene still is a plastic of sorts, but here are some things to consider before you make that purchase.
What is polypropylene or PP?
Polypropylene (PP in the short code) is a synthetic resin that is a polymer of propylene – used for making ropes, fabrics, and molded objects. It is a thermoplastic. It actually is a by-product of the oil refining process, in the same was as naphthalene is from which the light plastic carriers are made.
Health, Safety and Environmental Issues:
Plastic represents a 14 to 22% in volume of solid waste. It can be melted and recycled, making it a thermoplastic elastomer but the recycling process degrades the properties.
Another difficulty is the management of plastics. The manufacture of the polymer at high temperatures can release irritating vapors to the respiratory system and eyes. At this time there is no known effect from chronic exposure to this product.
Non-woven Polypropylene Bags:
- Are made from an oil-based product & will live in the landfill right next to the plastic grocery bags for 500 years.
- They are difficult to separate from other materials for recycling.
- They are manufactured in China and shipped thousands of miles across the ocean.
How Can You Help?
- Purchase bags that are made from natural, biodegradable materials.
- Even better, buy reusable bags made from organically grown cotton.
- Buy a set of bags for your friends – encourage them into “going green”.
If you are lucky like me and get too attends trade fairs and exhibitions you get reusable shoppers given all the time. A great number of them nowadays have become cotton totes or even jute and canvas bags but there are, alas, still the non-woven polypropylene ones too.
I would like to say, a bit in defense of the polypropylene bags that, while cotton, jute and other natural materials are better, bags of non-woven PP are still better than the old type plastic grocery bags of the one-time use kind and they will last a long time.
Another thing too I would like to say and that is that while the polypropylene bags are made in China many of the cotton totes and jute bags also appear to be made there. And that means that the environmental footprint of them is rather big.
The alternative is to make your own shopping totes (and other bags). Check out Morsbags.com (http://www.morsbags.com/) for how-to instructions, found in the drop-down menu under “Make One”.
Tips For Using Your Bags:
- Put the word “BAGS” on the top of your grocery list, so you may remember them.
- Buy a bag you actually want to use, one with style, or, as said, make your own.
- Leave the bags by the front door or on the door handle.
- Purchase two sets of bags and leave one set in the car (if you happen to go shopping by car.)
- Cloth reusable bags can hold more and are easier to carry.
© 2010
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