The following information was compiled from many sources. Most of the facts were repeated numerous times.

• Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide. That comes out to over one million per minute. Billions end up as litter each year. 

• Plastic bags carry 80% of the nation's groceries 

• According to the EPA, over 380 billion plastic bags, sacks and wraps are consumed in the U.S. each year.

• The average American uses between 300 and 700 plastic bags per year. 
• An estimated 12 million barrels of oil is required to make that many plastic bags.

• Only 1 to 2% of plastic bags in the USA end up getting recycled and 10-15% of paper bags 

• Plastic bags create pollution and kill wildlife in the USA every day of the year.
• In 1999, 14 million trees were cut to produce the 10 billion paper grocery bags used by Americans.

• Only 10 to 15 percent of paper bags and 1 to 3 percent of plastic bags are recycled.

• Single use plastic bags made of HDPE remain in the environment for up to approx. 1,000 years. 
•  Over 100,000 birds, whales, seals and turtles worldwide are killed by plastic rubbish every year.

Less than 5 percent of US shoppers use canvas, cotton or mesh bags. Please change that number by choosing our reusable bags when you shop. Don't think about it - DO IT - Make a Difference

The Environmental News Network

The Environmental News Network (ENN) is one of the oldest, unbiased source of online environmental news. Helping you understand our environment around the world