Plastic bags were introduced in 1862. The design and development has come a long way, with many changes, but plastic bags have withstood the test of time. The many different types of plastic bags make it a versatile product, which despite environmental concerns, is still in demand.
History
Although plastic bags were introduced in 1862, it wasn't until 1909 when Leo H. Baekeland came up with the term plastic.
Types
Plastic bags come in different varieties such as sandwich bags, thin grocery bags, thicker shopping bags and trash bags.
Misconceptions
According to the Film and Bag Federation, there are more paper bags than plastic ones in landfills, and plastic bag manufacturing produces 94 percent less water pollution and 70 percent less air pollution than the process used to make paper bags.
Considerations
One hundred percent of the material left over from making plastic bags is recycled and over 80 percent of people report that they reuse plastic bags, which all lessens the environmental impact.
Benefits
Plastic bags benefit the public by keeping food fresh longer, and protecting it from harmful contaminants. This allows for less waste and healthier populations.
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