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Single-use bags, both paper and plastic, represent a huge threat to the environment. It is not only related to the sheer volume of bags ending up in landfills, but also resources needed to produce, transport and (occasionally) recycle them, and the emissions resulting from these processes. Single-use plastic bags are also well known for their interference in eco-systems and the part they play in flood events, where they clog pipes and drains.
facts about plastic bags
> Annually, in the U.S., approximately 380 billion plastic bags are used, equating to more than 1,200 bags per resident.

> Approximately 100 billion of the 380 billion are plastic shopping bags.

> An estimated 12 million barrels of oil is required to make that number of bags and only 1% to 2% of plastic bags are recycled.

> Each year, as a result of plastic pollution, thousands of marine animals and over one million birds will die.

> The United Nations Environment Program estimates there are 46,000 pieces of plastic litter floating in every square mile of the ocean.

> They are often mistakenly ingested by animals, clogging their intestines, which results in death by starvation. Other animals or birds become entangled in bags and drown or as a result, are unable to fly.
> Even when photo-degraded in landfills, plastic from single-use bags never goes away, and when ingested by unsuspecting animals, toxic particles can enter the food chain.

> Greenpeace says that at least 267 marine species are known to have suffered from getting entangled in or by ingesting marine debris. Nearly 90% of that debris is plastic.

> Americans consume more than 10 billion paper bags per year. Approximately 14 million trees are cut down every year for paper bag production.

> Paper production requires hundreds of thousands of gallons of water as well as toxic chemicals such as sulphurous acid, which can lead to acid rain and water pollution.