B.Y.O.B.

If the petroleum in 14 plastic bags could drive a car one mile, how far must Kalamazoo go to turn GREEN?

Two hundred dollars and 20 plastic grocery bags later, you unload your car disappointed about the increasing cost of milk, produce and eggs. But the real cost may be hidden in the plastic bag.

Like all plastic products, plastic bags are made from petroleum. Americans use more than 380 billion bags each year—which accounts for millions of barrels of oil. In effect, the use of plastic bags depletes oil supplies and contributes to increasing costs of petroleum-based products like gasoline.

And that’s not all. Plastic bag production also contributes to global warming and pollution. Once a plastic bag is thrown away, it eventually begins to photodegrade and break down into smaller, more toxic pieces of plastic. It may take hundreds if not thousands of years to break down—if it makes it to the landfill. Because plastic bags are light, they can fly from trash bins and land in natural habitats, posing a threat to plant and animal life. A recent study estimates that 100,00 marine animals are killed annually by plastic bags. According to the Algalita Marine Research Foundation, there are six pounds of plastic for every one-pound of zooplankton (or fish food) in some parts of the ocean.

If you think that switching to paper bags may be an environment-friendly move, think again. According to the US EPA, 70% more global warming gases are emitted during the production of a paper bag than a plastic bag. In 1999, Americans used over ten billion paper shopping bags—and 14 million trees were destroyed in the process. While paper bags may seem biodegradable, landfills do not offer the proper mix of air, light and water necessary for paper bags to biodegrade.

Efforts to reduce the use of disposable bags are becoming a worldwide trend. Ireland led an initiative in 2002 by declaring that “the day of the plastic bag is over.” When the country began charging approximately 20 cents per bag, the use of plastic bags dropped by 90% in one year. Australia reduced bag use by 45% from 2002-2006 by urging retailers to sell reusable bags and by encouraging citizens to purchase them. China’s State Council banned plastic bags on June 1, 2008. As a result, the country projects that it will save 37 million barrels of oil annually.

While Kalamazoo hasn’t taxed or outlawed plastic bags, three major grocers in the area are offering environment-friendly plastic bag alternatives. Made from polypropylene, these reusable, recyclable, non-toxic bags are available near the checkout at D&W, Meijer stores and Harding's Market stores for only $1. The bags are designed to endure weekly use for up to two years—meaning one bag could replace hundreds of plastic bags. Harding's Markets are also selling an insulated version of the reusable bag that has a zipper to keep cold products their coldest for just $2. As an additional incentive to reduce plastic bag use, D&W will take 5 cents off your total purchase when you bring your own environment-friendly bag.

The reusable plastic bag alternative is more than just an option. It’s an opportunity. By simply not using a plastic bag, every consumer has the opportunity to help prevent pollution, protect natural habitats and reduce oil consumption. Last year, San Francisco became the first city in America to completely ban the use of plastic bags. A similar ban in the City of Kalamazoo could help to expand its current leadership role across the state. In recent months, Kalamazoo has shown the state of Michigan how economic development, job creation and a hoppin’ art scene can attract fresh new talent and ideas to the area. An environmental movement such as the banning of plastic bags would invite the rest of the state to B.Y.O.B. Bring Your Own Bag!