There’s been a huge push for Americans to become more energy conscious and eco-friendly. Some grocery companies have begun charging the consumer for using plastic bags, thereby encouraging the purchase of reusable tote bags. Los Angeles will be voting November 16th to ban plastic bags entirely. Considering that one of the greatest contributors to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is plastic bags, this is a wonderful effort. Don’t be misled by the term ‘patch’ though: the garbage island is estimate being between the size of Texas and the size of the continental United States. It’s sort of difficult to figure its exact boundaries.
So while the tote bags are a great way to stop plastic tumbleweeds from blowing across the US and killing off many eco-systems, consumers need to be aware of potential product problems.
“According to a study released by TEI Analytical, half of reusable shopping bags made with Non-Woven Poly Propylene (NWPP) contain an unhealthy amount of lead. Many of the bags that are supposed to save the planet contain more than 100 parts per million of toxic heavy metals.”
All of these reusable tote bags are made in China, so check your bags and maybe considering replacing them if they’re made of Poly Propylene.
So while the tote bags are a great way to stop plastic tumbleweeds from blowing across the US and killing off many eco-systems, consumers need to be aware of potential product problems.
“According to a study released by TEI Analytical, half of reusable shopping bags made with Non-Woven Poly Propylene (NWPP) contain an unhealthy amount of lead. Many of the bags that are supposed to save the planet contain more than 100 parts per million of toxic heavy metals.”
All of these reusable tote bags are made in China, so check your bags and maybe considering replacing them if they’re made of Poly Propylene.
