Word: plasticities
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...effect: increased use of paper bags. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, demand for paper bags in the U.S. consumes 14 million trees a year. And the Environmental Protection Agency has noted that the production of paper bags involves more energy use and water pollution than that of plastic bags. Paper bags are heavier--and therefore use more fossil fuel during shipping--although they are biodegradable and recyclable. They're also more expensive for retailers, at 5.7¢ per bag (and up to 17.6¢ for ones with handles) in contrast to 2.2¢ per plastic bag. Given...
That will be an uphill battle. Plastic bags have their own lobbyists, who don't appreciate lectures from the catwalk. The Progressive Bag Alliance, which represents major plastic-bag makers, maintains that bags aren't the problem. Littering is. In an attempt to turn the tables on the eco-chic movement, the alliance has begun an unsubtle anti-Hindmarch campaign by emblazoning their signature product--using a bubble print strikingly similar to the one on her popular tote--with a defiant message: I AM A PLASTIC BAG, AND I AM 100% RECYCLABLE...
...trouble is that California is one of the few places to mandate that stores offer plastic-bag recycling, and the industry has been slow to volunteer elsewhere. Less than 1% of bags are recycled in the U.S., according to the Washington-based Worldwatch Institute. Major chains like Giant Foods are trying to improve that statistic by giving rebates to shoppers who return plastic bags for recycling, although few consumers take advantage of the policy. In March, Ikea began charging a nickel per plastic bag and selling a reusable tote for 59¢. While it's still too soon to tell...
Designer bags may make such taxes and prohibitions more palatable. But even Hindmarch concedes that her canvas tote has its limits. "I have five kids," she explains, which adds up to a lot of groceries--and she's still not willing to ditch the plastic when bringing home a smelly fish or other items with leak potential. But the combination of stylish looks and too-thin wallets may drive real change. Thousands of shoppers camped out in Dublin in July to get a Hindmarch bag. And many of this season's trendy $15 eco-tote bags have been selling...
...Bagging plastic bags. A map of bans around the globe--plus some high-fashion alternative carryalls [This article contains a complex diagram. Please see hardcopy...