Apr 4, 2008

Plastic bags cause ecological mess

Editorial

There's growing evidence that the ubiquitous plastic bag is an environmental menace, which is why the city of Palo Alto should join the growing list of communities that have restricted its use.

San Francisco caused a minor sensation last year when it targeted the bags, but the actual rule is a workable solution that can curtail a problem of prolific litter without harming small merchants. It also targets a form of trash that, because of its durability, will be with us for generations.

That city directed large markets and drugstores to offer customers paper bags that can be recycled, plastic bags that break down easily or reusable cloth bags. This last option is the greenest of all since it creates the least waste and assumes customers will make a minor sacrifice by reusing them for a greater good.

San Francisco is far from alone. Oakland and 11 Alaskan cities have approved restrictions on plastic bags and other Bay Area cities are studying the idea. Palo Alto is expected to consider the matter later this month. China also launched a surprise crackdown on plastic bags and Whole Foods Market sacked them in its 270 stores in North America and the United Kingdom.

Why the fuss? Part of the problem is that the plastic used in the bags - typically polyethylene, a thermoplastic made from oil - is amazingly sturdy. It takes perhaps centuries to fully break down. In the meantime, we are using 500 billion to a trillion of them annually. On top of this, recycling efforts have largely failed and the bags, because they travel far on ocean and air currents, are found in some of the most remote parts of the earth.

Environmentalists worry the bags can harm marine life, a growing possibility given their sheer number, their durability and their propensity to travel.

A swirling mass of plastic trash - much of it from bags - is accumulating about 1,000 miles off the coast of California and covers an area twice the size of Texas. It's a reminder that much of our garbage isn't making it to landfills.

Limiting the use of plastic bags as San Francisco and other communities have done doesn't ban the bags altogether. Some will still be with us. However, it could reduce their number and help address a growing nuisance.