Buzz
The idea of making a positive environmental difference might seem overwhelming—until you realize that even minor changes in our habits can have a positive impact. A common recommendation is to reduce or eliminate the use of single-use plastic bags during shopping trips. This is because these bags decompose slowly, remaining in landfills for a long time. But how long do plastic bags actually stick around?
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, it takes around 1000 years (10 centuries) for a plastic bag to 'decompose.' However, this is not entirely accurate. Since most microorganisms cannot consume plastic, it breaks down through photodegradation caused by ultraviolet radiation. Even when the bags disintegrate, they leave behind microplastics that can continue to damage the environment.
Although 1000 years sounds daunting, it is merely an estimate. Plastic bags have only existed since the 1950s, meaning humanity has never seen their full decomposition in real time. Instead, scientists perform respirometry tests, placing materials in aerated soil with microbes, and measuring the CO2 produced as the material breaks down. Organic substances like food waste release CO2, allowing scientists to estimate their decomposition rate. However, plastic bags don’t produce CO2, meaning microbes don’t consume them—they just remain intact. If plastic bags are buried in a landfill, shielded from ultraviolet radiation, they could persist for an incredibly long time.
The environmental impact of bags goes beyond their disposal. Producing bags consumes fossil fuels—estimated at 12 million barrels of oil every year. Once a bag is discarded, it can enter the wildlife food chain. Animals such as birds and fish consume the plastic, which then accumulates as it moves up the food chain.
Although reducing plastic bag usage is a positive step, using a cloth bag may not be the eco-friendly solution you expect. Cloth totes still have a significant carbon footprint and require thousands of uses to offset their impact. A more effective approach is to reuse the bags you already own, whether cloth or plastic, to carry your items.
