BAN Toxics Calls for Reduced Use of Reusable Plastic Bags

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): In connection with International Plastic Bag Free Day celebrations held on 3^rd July, 2024, the leading environment NGO BAN Toxics has urged public to minimize the use of reusable bags made from plastic materials such as polypropylene, polyester, and nylon. At the same time, it highlighted on the importance of promoting the use of plastic-free reusable bags.

According to BAN Toxics, there are currently not enough data available to analyse the extent to which plastic-based reusable bags are reused and wasted. Nevertheless, the public should be encouraged to choose traditional and biodegradable alternatives by avoiding the use of plastic reusable bags.

The reusable bags will have lower impact than single-use plastic bags only if they are reused sufficient number of times. A study published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recommends that paper bags must be reused 4-8 times, whereas cotton bags must be reused 50-150 times.

As per estimates, single-use plastics currently account for almost 50% of the total plastic production. The global plastics production has witnessed dramatic surge from 1.7 million metric tonnes in 1950 to approximately 400 million metric tonnes in 2022. Furthermore, the production is predicted to double over the next 20 years.

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