cotton bag vs plastic bag

Safety Razor, Blades, Bamboo Handle, Double Edge, Reusable, Bamboo Soap Dish, Natural Organic Antibacterial Soap Bar Dish. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our website, to show you personalized content and targeted ads, to analyze our website traffic, and to understand where our visitors are coming from. Overall, apart from the choice of bag we use, we have other significant lifestyle choices we can make if we want to be more sustainable, such as the food we eat, how we get around in transport, and the home we live in (just as a few examples). Cotton totes bags are also more durable and reusable tote bags.They are cheaper in the long run and good for any kind of shoppings. as a bin liner before being disposed of) the number of times an alternative needs to be used increases. The first one is that most articles available on the subject merely look at the carbon footprint of producing these different carrier bags, but they won’t take into consideration the length of use and the disposable implications of the types of bags analysed. These cookies do not store any personal information. So you may say, all I have heard about plastic bags being bad for the environment was all a lie, and we should actually use them more? Regarding reusing plastic bags, one of the tricky things is that even if they have the potential to be utilised multiple times, most people either end up collecting them in a kitchen drawer that never gets opened. There are many studies being shared to support one opinion over the other, and it really got me curious because I really wanted to find out the truth behind all these claims. When I started researching the topic in-depth, I came across 2 problems pretty much straight away. We’ve already provided a large part of the answer to this question in this guide about the different materials of bags. Lastly, being able to be composted at the end of (a long) life without creating extra pollution, is definitely going to add to the sustainability score of your bag of choice. If you can keep this bag for a long time, it will be more eco friendly than plastic bags, but it requires over 173 uses to break even. Cotton Tote Bags: Most people know that cotton is one of the oldest material that has been used for decades. Again, as with the studies we mentioned before, it seems to us that each of these investigations only takes into account a limited number of factors and segments along the production chain, while we want to consider the whole manufacturing as well as the useful life of these bags. The minimum number of times each bag must be reused in order to be more environmentally friendly than a single use plastic bag varies: Cotton tote bag: 173 times Fold up reusable bag (non-woven polypropylene): 14 times - Cotton bags should be used 7,100 times - organic cotton would need a much larger number of uses. Cotton bags, despite being the most carbon intensive to manufacture, are the most durable and will have a much longer life. The study incorporates the impact of raw material extraction, bag production, transportation and disposal and focuses on how many times reusable bags are actually reused by consumers. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. (which takes more uses to average out … soft plastic can be cheap and have a low production footprint). The best bag can certainly depend on the indicator you are measuring or assessing for e.g. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bettermeetsreality_com-leader-1-0')};Plastic bags can be the common lightweight LDPE plastic shopping bags, or the heavy plastic bags, such as PP, PET and polyester. Plastic vs Paper vs Cotton vs Other Reusable Bags: Comparison, & Which Is Best? greenhouse gas emissions, water use and consumption, waste generated, litter rate, pollution and mismanaged waste rate, time taken to break down and decompose, impact on humans, impact on wild life, and so on. In the case of paper, a bag needs 4 times more water than a plastic carrier. It should be kept in mind that if a plastic bag is used more than once (i.e. By bringing reusable grocery bags to supermarket checkout lanes shoppers say "No" to the checker's question about whether they want paper or plastic bags. So what’s the truth? So even though plastic bags have a lower carbon footprint up until they are produced, that quickly changes when we take into account their reusability and disposal. As a result, a cotton bag needs to be used 7,100 times to equal the environmental profile of a plastic bag. EarthBits is the trading name of EarthBits Limited, 6 Stanwell Avenue, Huddersfield, United Kingdom, HD2 2BY. Organic cotton is usually made without the use of GMOs or synthetic chemicals like pesticides, and certified organic cotton can have additional standards. Paper bags can come in a variety of types, made with both recycled and and virgin paper, bleached and unbleached, different colors, and so on. Reusable bags made from nonwoven polypropylene plastic are also common, and they’re actually less carbon-intensive to produce. Cotton bags can come in conventional cotton, and organic cotton. The more times you use a bag, the more environmentally friendly it becomes. The best disposal method for composite bags (like jute composites) might be ‘Reuse as waste bin bag if possible, else incinerate’, Composite bags have a similar impact as LDPE bags for the human toxicity (non cancer effects) indicator, Composite bags have to be re-used less than cotton bags to have the same environmental performance as LDPE bags, 1. https://www.bettermeetsreality.com/should-we-ban-plastic-bags-are-they-better-or-worse-than-other-types-of-bags/, 2. https://www2.mst.dk/Udgiv/publications/2018/02/978-87-93614-73-4.pdf, 3. https://www.bettermeetsreality.com/most-common-plastic-waste-generated-found-on-beaches-in-oceans-on-land/, 4. https://www.bettermeetsreality.com/the-pros-cons-of-plastic/. I have seen this topic discussed multiple times on social media and blog post: are plastic bags more sustainable than cotton ones? if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bettermeetsreality_com-box-4-0')};And, when it comes to human toxicity impact, paper and composite bags can be equally as low impact. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bettermeetsreality_com-box-3-0')};We look at which ones might be best environmentally, practically, and overall. The best disposal method for cotton and textile bags might be ‘Reuse as waste bin bag if possible, else incinerate’, Textile bags need to be reused more times to lower their environmental production cost, Cotton bags have to be re-used the most of any bag type in order to have the same environmental impact as LDPE bags, Conventional cotton bags have a lower environmental impact than organic cotton. Humans, Animals, The Environment, The Economy & Space. In addition, the extended carrying handle makes for convenient over-the-shoulder transport—something you CAN NOT do with plastic grocery bags. Composite and natural fibre bags can be extremely strong and can provide the best strength and durability of all the bags – jute composite bags in particular can be extremely strong and durable. Paper bags are going to have issues with strength, durability and getting wet and losing their integrity (if they get punctured, torn, or stretched). Organic cotton and cotton bags have to be re-used far more times than the more disposable bags (like plastic) in order to have the same environmental performance, largely because of their significant production footprint in terms of energy, resources etc. Hence, cotton is the best material to make a bag compared to plastic, considering its environmental aspects. Although it’s true that plastic bag produces less greenhouse gas, they use less water and they use far fewer chemicals compared to cotton ones, it is also true that if used for a long time cotton absorbs and even cancels its initial carbon impact. This can only happen if any single cotton bag is used approximately 131 times. In this guide, we compare the different materials of bag – plastic, paper, cotton, composite, and different reusable bags. Your cotton tote is pretty much the worst replacement for a plastic bag. Not so fast. They are easy to wash and you can reuse them and avoid hundreds and thousands of plastic bags. So the question is: Are canvas tote bags better than plastic bags? It seems quite a lot compared to single-use when it comes to plastic bags, … The sturdy cotton fabric securely houses heavy objects. Despite its low durability, one advantage of paper is that it … What if more and more people switched to this simple habit too? low-density polyethylene bags (the thicker plastic bags commonly used in supermarkets) should be used four times non-woven polypropylene bags should be used 11 times cotton bags … Ozone depletion is the biggest environmental impact of the cotton bags due to the chemical used in its production. A full picture of the full impact of each type of bag isn’t fully available yet, and is definitely location and situation specific. Durability is also an essential element to consider: how resistant is the bag you have chosen? Fashion Factor: Fashion retailers strive for an original and aesthetic appeal to their plastic bags. Great article, thanks Fran. By continuing to use this site, you are accepting the use of cookies. They come in many shapes and forms, as well as materials such as high-density polyethene (HDPE), low-density polyethene (LDPE), degradable plastic, among others. And even though some of the print has faded away, it is still going strong! Cotton bags have a surprisingly high environmental impact because of the effort that goes into growing cotton and producing the bags. What matters is our individual actions: stirring away from single-use bags, buying organic and fair trade, and most of all reusing everything we buy is the true secret to make a bag really sustainable. All data shared with EarthBits is kept secure and not shared with any third parties. We know that plastics are not all the same, there are many different types and some are not as damaging as others (even though we still believe no matter what label, plastic is a problematic material when mass-produced as it’s very hard to make sure it is used and discarded in a proper way). There are several other reasons why a jute bag company has the edge. So let’s have a look at the different types of bags before we start comparing their sustainability. The reduction in single-use plastic is enormous, and it’s such an easy change to do, as these simple cotton produce bags can be easily carried around in your handbag, backpack or even in the side pocket of your gym bag all the time, as they take literally no space at all, and you can always be sure to have them handy any time you need to nip into a shop. Mesh Bags for Produce. 4.3.4 Polyester carrier bags: PETpol 52 4.3.5 Starch-complexed biopolymer bags: BP 53 4.3.6 Paper bags: PAP, PAPb 53 4.3.7 Cotton bags: COTorg, COT 53 4.3.8 Composite bags: COM 53 4.3.9 LDPE waste bin bag 53 5. Unbleached bags and bag without printing on them (i.e. The story was based on a 2018 life cycle assessment of grocery bags from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, which found that single-use plastic was less detrimental than cotton totes or even paper bags when it comes to how their manufacturing affects climate change, ozone depletion, water use, air pollution and toxicity for humans. Consider the negatives: 1. Procuring cotton fibers from sources that do not use electricity, or use electricity from renewable sources, can substantially lower the impact. How many times can it be used without breaking or tearing? Here are some good reasons to make the change: 1- Cotton bags are much more sustainable, nice and practical than plastic bags. I have used my cotton tote bag since I was in university, which means I have been using it for the past 15 years! If we just take into account this factor, a cotton bag will have to be re-used 20,000 times before it outperforms a regular plastic bag. Although it’s true that plastic bag produces less greenhouse gas, they use less water and they use far fewer chemicals compared to cotton ones, it is also true that if used for a long time cotton absorbs and even cancels its initial carbon impact. In fact, the natural environment has nothing good to say about the plastic bag. Some people love them, some people hate them. There are also other bags, made from non-woven polypropylene, which have a slightly different impact on the environment. xx. Although we are all for repurposing, the problem with this is that not only the plastic bag goes straight to the landfill, but in case people may want to save it, food waste contamination or laceration due to sharp objects may prevent it from being recycled. The key outcome of the study was that Shopping bags are a very widespread element of people’s everyday lives all across the globe. Furthermore, plastic bags are often doubled for strength, so comparing a cotton bag to one plastic bag isn’t the reality. According to the above LCA report (available in the mst.dk resource link below): if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bettermeetsreality_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')};Plastic LDPE bags have the overall lowest environmental impact across a range of environmental measurables, Biopolymer bags providing a similar impact to plastic LDPE bags across climate change, and water resource depletion indicators, Heavy plastic bags like PP, PET, and polyester need to be reused more times to lower their environmental production cost, Woven PP bags have a lower environmental impact than non woven. This obviously can be solved by making sure that the cotton we use is GOTS and organic, so no chemical pesticides have been used. These studies only concentrate on the aspect of carbon footprint: this is due to various factors for which plastic bags scored very low in all the testing, specifically: However, in order for the average carbon footprint levels to be truly inferior AFTER PRODUCTION, we need to look at how many times bags can be reused. Although not as resistant as plastic or cotton, the positive thing about it is that it is easily compostable, so it can be added to pretty much any back garden compost bin turning into useful fertilizer. This does not only include carbon emissions, but also water consumption needed for manufacturing, and the use of fertilisers for raw material growth. Reusable bags like cotton and composite might be more expensive to buy and manufacture than the extremely cheap disposable plastic bags, but they often last far longer. Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …. We at EarthBits think that organic, GOTS cotton bags made by ethical companies are the true winners, what do you think? Please learn more at http://www.ecotrendbags.com The Earth has been facing immense pollution from our garbage and consumption. It is such a simple action, yet so powerful. However, if they are produced on the other side of the world, shipped by air and by suppliers who do not adhere to environmental standards of waste disposal, then their sustainability score is really quite low compared to reusable options. As a result, the environmental impact of cotton bags would become much more competitive compared to the LDPE bag. Is Boxed/Carton/Paper Water Better Than Plastic Bottles? Our mission is to take that worry away from you and provide all the pre-vetted eco essentials you'll ever need. These bags only need to be reused around 10-11 times to break even with the conventional plastic environmental impact. We know how hard it is to manage daily life without having the extra pressure of worrying about the effects of your purchases on the planet. Personally here at EarthBits.com we are big fans of cotton bags. According to many reports comparing reusable cotton bags to single use plastic carriers the cotton bags come out as far worse for the environment. Cloth bags are typically made from cotton, a particularly pesticide-intensive and water-guzzling crop. The best disposal method for each bag might be: Plastic, LDPE – Reusing/repurposing as a bin bag, if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bettermeetsreality_com-leader-2-0')};Plastic, PP – Recycle, reuse as waste bin bag if possible, else incinerate, Plastic, Recycled PET – Recycle, reuse as waste bin bag if possible, else incinerate, Plastic, Polyester PET – Reuse as waste bin bag if possible, else incinerate, Bio Polymer – Reuse as waste bin bag if possible, else incinerate. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Some think they are the best eco-friendly option available when it comes to carrier bags, and some people will just scare the hell out of you with their steep carbon footprint figures. If you like me are always interested in finding the truth behind internet memes and always want to fact check the information you read on your favourite Facebook groups, you have just come to the right blog post. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bettermeetsreality_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')}; In terms of practicality of use (that we didn’t touch upon in the above linked guide) …. Why plastic bags may be better for the environment than paper or cotton Inventor’s son says plastic bags were originally designed to save planet, despite disastrous impact today Registered in England and Wales No: 11882324. Organic cotton has to be used 20,000 times, and conventional cotton, 7100 times, Composite (jute, PP and cotton) might be a better reusable option than cotton bags, only having to be used 870 times to match the baseline LDPE plastic bag’s impact. You may have read that there have been multiple studies, including one commissioned by the U.K. Government Environment Agency Study Reportin 2011 and a Scottish Report from 2005 among others, and they all reach the same conclusion: HDPE bags have a low carbon footprint. And this is when things get complicated because It really depends on how many times people decide to use them again, and, how carefully they manage to dispose of them once their useful life is over. The second troubling aspect was that “plastic” bags and “cotton” bags were all lumped into a very generic, unique category each. Another essential element again is what comes after the production-cycle. Plastic vs Paper vs Metal vs Glass vs Bamboo vs Silicone vs Other Reusable Straws: Comparison, & Which Is Best? … Incineration might be the best disposal option for all bags when reuse or repurposing isn’t possible anymore. Also, the main LCA we reference is purely a Danish study – so things like bag types, recycling rates, waste management systems, bag production processes, and so on, can vary country to country and impact results. I agree completely that a single view can easily manipulate the pros and cons of each option so looking at the big picture and long term impact can help us all reach a more balanced and informed decision. water consumption: use of water for the production of the bags, atmospheric acidification: which can have effects on human health, sensitive ecosystems, forest decline and acidification of lakes, eutrophication* of water bodies: which can lead to the growth of algae and depletion of oxygen. Reusable bags can have a bigger footprint during production (especially cotton bags), but this is compensated if reused many times. Woven polypropylene is a plastic polymer that can be melted down and recycled in order to manufacture other products. Non-woven bags vs plastic bags: Non-woven bags are still more durable than the standard plastic shopping bag. plain looking bags) can also be more environmentally friendly. Still, in all these life cycles assessment studies, plastic bags do seem to be “more green” than cotton tote bags. Soft plastic bags are going to have strength issues with heavy loads. Paper is also widely recycled, which is definitely a score in favour. Just a few more facts that are important to keep In mind when it comes to cotton bags: Paper bags are quite controversial: according to this UK study, a paper bag needs to be reused at least 4 times to absorb its environmental footprint. We have to stop being a throw away society and look at every opportunity to reuse, reuse, reuse and consider the impact of all our actions. large part of the answer to this question in this guide about the different materials of bags, more general pros and cons of plastic as a material when used in products in this guide. Alternatively, they are commonly used as bin liners. The data is correct but it needs to be accompanied with proper context. Plastic bags never completely break down so they are a major polluter of land and waterways. Some things that are clear though are that re-using bags as many times as possible, repurposing bags for as long as possible, and trying to limit the amount of new bags you buy can be beneficial. They strangle birds, animals and fish. They relied on cotton production data from the 1990s, before the use of ozone layer degrading chemicals was prohibited, compared two cotton totes for every one plastic bag and assumed all bags … They are also are by far the least costly. The Plastic Bags Vs. Reusable Bags Takeaway. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bettermeetsreality_com-banner-1-0')};These LCA (life cycle assessment) reports though don’t account for several factors such as the impact of littered and polluted waste in the environment, or economic impact, just as a few examples. Plastic bags Also, when reused, their carbon footprint is lowered even more. However in many other categories, cotton is the preferable option. Thank you for doing your bit for the planet with us!! Consumers are still confused about which is better: plastic bags or reusable shopping tote bags. Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, GDPR & CCPA Notice. According to one study from 2011, a cotton bag’s carbon footprint is 598.6 pounds of CO2, compared to 3.48 pounds for a standard plastic bag made from high-density polyethylene. Other issues are chemicals used for tree farming, as these can have an effect on creating acid rains and pollution of water. This can only happen if any single cotton bag is used approximately 131 times.

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