From New York to Sydney and everywhere in between, people are carrying reusable bags.
Not surprisingly, large corporations and retailers have jumped on the bandwagon, offering cheap or free reusable shopping bags as a badge of being green.
Unfortunately, these cheap reusable shopping bags are often more of a marketing ploy than a great choice for the environment. To be effective in reducing waste, reusable bags must be able to be reused time and again, and therefore must be extremely durable. Polypropylene bags will decompose after exposure to UV light – below is an example of the affect UV light has on the tensile strength of a polypropylene bag when left in sunlight for 6 months.
Do not be fooled into thinking that polypropylene is an environmentally sound alternative. You may even find the term “biodegradable” on some of these bags (see below), but the standards for use of this term is that the bag must be biodegradable in a ‘commercially managed compost environment’. This unfortunately has little to do with the reality of biodegradability; in real world disposal scenarios, without the controlled conditions specified in these standards, the bags will not break down and biodegrade in a reasonable amount of time and will not decompose to organic material that can be put to use by other micro-organisms, as the term ‘biodegradable’ suggests.
Vincent Cobb (founder of reusablebags.com) recently discussed the futility of reusable bags that aren’t made to last (here). When asked if the solution is becoming a part of the problem, he didn’t hesitate a moment – “Absolutely,” he said, explaining that some are made so cheaply they fall apart after a few uses. “They are becoming more of the junk.”
A cheap non-woven polypropylene bag must be made inexpensively. The construction and material of the bag are of poor quality and they have a tendency to give way after loading them with groceries only a handful of times. Ironically, the ‘reusable’ bags themselves end up in the garbage can.
As a consumer, an additional concern is where and by whom are these bags being made? For the retail price of a “reusable bag” to be $1, the labour and distribution costs must be extremely low. At this price is it possible to ensure all employees and suppliers are treated fairly and in adherence to Fair Trade guidelines?
Using an alternative material such as polyester (which has far better tensile strength properties than polypropylene), printed with the process of sublimation, will yield a more durable bag in which the color will not fade.
Digging a little deeper reveals that many reusable bags are nothing more than another example of green-washing.
A high quality reusable bag eliminates hundreds of cheap reusable bags, and thousands of paper and plastic bags over its lifetime.
Erin Lowmaster Says:
October 8th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Now there is something to think about. Thanks for sharing.
Jen Osborne Says:
October 13th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
WOW- thanks for the info. I honestly had never thought about the differences in reusable bags!
Carolyn Cullen Says:
October 16th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Yep, so true. I have sturdy canvas shopping bags that I got as premiums from
environmental charities (for example Environmental Defense) that have lasted
through weekly shopping for 15 YEARS so far! The one ‘handy-wipe material’
free bag I do have scares me that it will break when I put actual groceries in it.
Monique Says:
October 19th, 2009 at 8:48 am
I couldn’t agree more. I bought a number of those infamous polypropylene bags, and have been VERY disappointed. Washing them is a disaster. (No one planned for them to be WASHED?) They are also ugly – which I was prepared to live with for the good of the planet – but not if they don’t do the job they are supposed to do.
I’m in the process of switching to other bags that are made out of cloth and which will survive washing.
I’ve tried the envirosax bags – so far, so good.
eco chic Says:
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:51 am
So true! A reusable bag must be reusable, and the Envirosax´s bags certainly are!
Mikhail Says:
November 5th, 2009 at 2:05 am
You make a good point that “unwoven” polypropylene is something to avoid. But not all polypropylene bags are flims; glossier woven PP is used to make the sturdiest plastic bags around (think feed sacks or even sacks used for concrete). I have one of these (a promotional item from Waste Management) and I use it for all my heaviest groceries.
Lisa Says:
November 8th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
This was an eye-opener! So true…the solution is becoming a part of the problem. So now my question. I have been given many of these bags and have made use of them to satisfaction. But now, what is the best way to dispose of them when it is time? Any ideas? Back to the landfill?? Will make it a point to spread the word that these are not the ideal! Thank you!
Elizabeth Says:
November 20th, 2009 at 11:14 am
I have an Envirosax bag and it’s made from polyester. This isn’t biodegradable either. Where do your bags end up after I’m done with them? I think the same landfill as the polypropylene bags. Your bags may last longer than some of the polypropylene bags, but you have the same problem with disposing them.
sue Says:
November 21st, 2009 at 11:10 am
I always wondered if the store reusable bags were as ecologically friendly as it appeared. It seemed too good to be true.
I have been using a cotton string bag for over 40 years, and it is in perfect condition with no rips or tears. I bought it overseas when I was a teenager, and have used it continously since for one purpose or another.
I just added a few more cotton string bags and plan on leaving them to my children in 40 years or so.
katy Says:
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Hi Elizabeth, Envirosax makes no claims that its bags are biodegradable. Yes, Envirosax are made from polyester which is a product of crude oil, but polyester does not break down in sunlight (UV light) like the green cheap polypropylene bags. Envirosax are made to last and are built to be strong and durable. When you are finished with your Envirosax you can either send it back to us to be recycled or drop it off at your local polyester recycling depot. Details of recycling depots in your area can be obtained from your local council. How someone deals with their garbage is the sole responsibility of the individual. In the production of Envirosax we recycle all printing backing paper, water and inks. All waste polyester material is recycled for use in upholstery and stuffing for car sets and childrens toys. I totally agree with you that there is a chance of an Envirosax ending up in landfill after its long life, but during its life it has stopped thousands of plastic and polypropylene bags from entering the environment. At home on the Gold Coast all our staff recycle everything from old clothes to bottles, paper and garden waste. I think it is the responsibility of all governments and local councils worldwide to offer these services to their constituents. Thank you so much for your feedback.
The Envirosax Team.
Nicole Says:
November 24th, 2009 at 3:52 am
Hi, I have a slightly different opinion from most of these posts. I only grocery shop 1 or 2 times a month so it is not economically friendly to me to buy the more expensive bags, but because I use the cheaper bags only 1 or 2 times a month they have lasted almost 2 years. And yes I have washed them- the only problem is the lettering wearing off.
I have about 30 of these cheap bags and usually use most of them when I’m at the store. I have only had to dispose of 2 bags in the last 2 years- one my hubby cut off the handle to tie the car trunk shut when he bought a bike and the other my son cut a whole in the bottom for reasons I don’t want to guess.
I do have sturdy cloth bags that I use for everyday stuff, but I think like anything else if you use these bags for their purpose of carting groceries home and not for carrying around everyday stuff they work just fine.
Sam Says:
December 17th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Newly created polyester isn’t doing anyone else any good, Envirosax and Chico bags are creating more poly in the world…why is that good for anyone?
Reclaimed materials like the people converting old clothes into bags, or other ways of taking materials that already exist and making them into utility products is a true recycling perspective. Also, using RPET or something made from waste / disposable items that has high durability is the right approach as well.
Envirosax & Chico (who has gotten better) – Don’t wash the people with your newly made poly either please.
Julia Says:
December 18th, 2009 at 4:52 am
Dear Sam I take my hat off to companies who make bags from reclaimed material, this is a great idea. Envirosax is actually releasing a product along these lines in January 2010. After making bags from hemp, bamboo viscose, linen and organic cotton, the strong, durable polyester bags are still our best sellers and the profits from the sales of these bags have allowed us to research and develop our own material in partnership with UNIFI of the USA. Recently we have released our own Envirosax fabric which contains 45% Repreve RPET which is 100% recycled content certified by the SCS in San Francisco. In January 2010 in New York we will be releasing many other products made from this new fabric. You can read about Envirosax RPET on our FAQ http://www.envirosax.com/faq#a_envirosaxrpet
Eleni Says:
February 12th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
This was a very interesting read.
dildos Says:
February 14th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
very informative article – needs more pictures though
Cotton Bags Says:
April 21st, 2010 at 7:32 am
All of those bags are hybrid versions of ladies handbags. I like the Burberry, but the size needs to be increased a half size…those cutesy buckles on the signature check bag need to be increased as well. Leather closures should not be that size as they appear dainty and a mans bag should not appear dainty.
Biodegradable Plastic Bags « Restless Says:
April 21st, 2010 at 11:54 am
Foldable Bags vs. Green Bags | Foldable Bags : reusable bags, eco friendly products and news Says:
April 25th, 2010 at 5:03 am
[...] these green bags were being exposed as not really an eco-friendly alternative. A post in the envirosax blog “Polypropylene Bags – Tomorrows Landfill”, discussed that these green bags are more of a marketing ploy than a real benefit to the [...]
12. ENVIROSAX « seeing pink elephants Says:
June 20th, 2010 at 2:49 am
[...] just masquerading as environmentally friendly bags! Read more about their untrustworthiness here and [...]
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October 8th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Now there is something to think about. Thanks for sharing.
October 13th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
WOW- thanks for the info. I honestly had never thought about the differences in reusable bags!
October 16th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Yep, so true. I have sturdy canvas shopping bags that I got as premiums from
environmental charities (for example Environmental Defense) that have lasted
through weekly shopping for 15 YEARS so far! The one ‘handy-wipe material’
free bag I do have scares me that it will break when I put actual groceries in it.
October 19th, 2009 at 8:48 am
I couldn’t agree more. I bought a number of those infamous polypropylene bags, and have been VERY disappointed. Washing them is a disaster. (No one planned for them to be WASHED?) They are also ugly – which I was prepared to live with for the good of the planet – but not if they don’t do the job they are supposed to do.
I’m in the process of switching to other bags that are made out of cloth and which will survive washing.
I’ve tried the envirosax bags – so far, so good.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:51 am
So true! A reusable bag must be reusable, and the Envirosax´s bags certainly are!
November 5th, 2009 at 2:05 am
You make a good point that “unwoven” polypropylene is something to avoid. But not all polypropylene bags are flims; glossier woven PP is used to make the sturdiest plastic bags around (think feed sacks or even sacks used for concrete). I have one of these (a promotional item from Waste Management) and I use it for all my heaviest groceries.
November 8th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
This was an eye-opener! So true…the solution is becoming a part of the problem. So now my question. I have been given many of these bags and have made use of them to satisfaction. But now, what is the best way to dispose of them when it is time? Any ideas? Back to the landfill?? Will make it a point to spread the word that these are not the ideal! Thank you!
November 20th, 2009 at 11:14 am
I have an Envirosax bag and it’s made from polyester. This isn’t biodegradable either. Where do your bags end up after I’m done with them? I think the same landfill as the polypropylene bags. Your bags may last longer than some of the polypropylene bags, but you have the same problem with disposing them.
November 21st, 2009 at 11:10 am
I always wondered if the store reusable bags were as ecologically friendly as it appeared. It seemed too good to be true.
I have been using a cotton string bag for over 40 years, and it is in perfect condition with no rips or tears. I bought it overseas when I was a teenager, and have used it continously since for one purpose or another.
I just added a few more cotton string bags and plan on leaving them to my children in 40 years or so.
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Hi Elizabeth, Envirosax makes no claims that its bags are biodegradable. Yes, Envirosax are made from polyester which is a product of crude oil, but polyester does not break down in sunlight (UV light) like the green cheap polypropylene bags. Envirosax are made to last and are built to be strong and durable. When you are finished with your Envirosax you can either send it back to us to be recycled or drop it off at your local polyester recycling depot. Details of recycling depots in your area can be obtained from your local council. How someone deals with their garbage is the sole responsibility of the individual. In the production of Envirosax we recycle all printing backing paper, water and inks. All waste polyester material is recycled for use in upholstery and stuffing for car sets and childrens toys. I totally agree with you that there is a chance of an Envirosax ending up in landfill after its long life, but during its life it has stopped thousands of plastic and polypropylene bags from entering the environment. At home on the Gold Coast all our staff recycle everything from old clothes to bottles, paper and garden waste. I think it is the responsibility of all governments and local councils worldwide to offer these services to their constituents. Thank you so much for your feedback.
The Envirosax Team.
November 24th, 2009 at 3:52 am
Hi, I have a slightly different opinion from most of these posts. I only grocery shop 1 or 2 times a month so it is not economically friendly to me to buy the more expensive bags, but because I use the cheaper bags only 1 or 2 times a month they have lasted almost 2 years. And yes I have washed them- the only problem is the lettering wearing off.
I have about 30 of these cheap bags and usually use most of them when I’m at the store. I have only had to dispose of 2 bags in the last 2 years- one my hubby cut off the handle to tie the car trunk shut when he bought a bike and the other my son cut a whole in the bottom for reasons I don’t want to guess.
I do have sturdy cloth bags that I use for everyday stuff, but I think like anything else if you use these bags for their purpose of carting groceries home and not for carrying around everyday stuff they work just fine.
December 17th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Newly created polyester isn’t doing anyone else any good, Envirosax and Chico bags are creating more poly in the world…why is that good for anyone?
Reclaimed materials like the people converting old clothes into bags, or other ways of taking materials that already exist and making them into utility products is a true recycling perspective. Also, using RPET or something made from waste / disposable items that has high durability is the right approach as well.
Envirosax & Chico (who has gotten better) – Don’t wash the people with your newly made poly either please.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:52 am
Dear Sam I take my hat off to companies who make bags from reclaimed material, this is a great idea. Envirosax is actually releasing a product along these lines in January 2010. After making bags from hemp, bamboo viscose, linen and organic cotton, the strong, durable polyester bags are still our best sellers and the profits from the sales of these bags have allowed us to research and develop our own material in partnership with UNIFI of the USA. Recently we have released our own Envirosax fabric which contains 45% Repreve RPET which is 100% recycled content certified by the SCS in San Francisco. In January 2010 in New York we will be releasing many other products made from this new fabric. You can read about Envirosax RPET on our FAQ http://www.envirosax.com/faq#a_envirosaxrpet
February 12th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
This was a very interesting read.
February 14th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
very informative article – needs more pictures though
April 21st, 2010 at 7:32 am
All of those bags are hybrid versions of ladies handbags. I like the Burberry, but the size needs to be increased a half size…those cutesy buckles on the signature check bag need to be increased as well. Leather closures should not be that size as they appear dainty and a mans bag should not appear dainty.
April 21st, 2010 at 11:54 am
[...] http://blog.envirosax.com/2009/10/polypropylene-bags-tomorrows-landfill/ [...]
April 25th, 2010 at 5:03 am
[...] these green bags were being exposed as not really an eco-friendly alternative. A post in the envirosax blog “Polypropylene Bags – Tomorrows Landfill”, discussed that these green bags are more of a marketing ploy than a real benefit to the [...]
June 20th, 2010 at 2:49 am
[...] just masquerading as environmentally friendly bags! Read more about their untrustworthiness here and [...]