Comments on: Polypropylene Bags – Tomorrows Landfill

By: dildos

dildos — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:29:49 +0000

very informative article – needs more pictures though

By: Eleni

Eleni — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 02:38:32 +0000

This was a very interesting read.

By: Julia

Julia — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:52:37 +0000

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

By: Sam

Sam — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:24:03 +0000

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.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:52:38 +0000

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.

By: katy

katy — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:20:22 +0000

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.

By: sue

sue — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:10:54 +0000

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.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:14:24 +0000

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.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:33:32 +0000

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!

By: Mikhail

Mikhail — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:05:47 +0000

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.