How environmentally sound are the ‘green’ reusable bags?
Green bags win hands down according to scientific research which has studied the lifecycle environmental impacts of lightweight plastic bags and alternatives. Compared to cloth, paper and lightweight plastic bags, green bags use less materials, generate less CO2 (a greenhouse gas), consume less energy and use less water. Green bags are washable and, after an average two years of use, recyclable. The bags are recycled into long lasting plastic items such as park benches, playground furniture and bollards. Read the report. (Sustainbility Victoria (2007), Comparison of existing life cycle analysis of shopping bag alternatives).
