Aren't plastic bags made from petroleum? Is it the same as what we use for fuel?

Question

If yes, then why are companies still insisting on using plastic bags? I take my cloth bags every where and sometimes get a nasty look from cashiers when I ask them to use them. It is such a simple change and yet how do we get everybody on board?

Answer 1

All plastics (I think) are developed by processing petroleum in some way or another.  I recently switched to the canvas shopping bags as well, and a lot of the cashiers do seem to be frustrated with using them.  I heard someone give the number of plastic grocery bags that enter landfills every SECOND and it was pretty depressing.  I'm not sure how to get everyone on board, but the canvas bags are so much better anyway!  They are larger and sturdier so you don't have to make as many trips to the car when unloading.

Answer 2

Yes! most plastic bags are made out of petroleum. They are made of a plastic called polyethylene. The grocery bags are "high density" polyethylene, while clear sandwich bags and big trash bags are a lower density.

The upside of this is that they can easily be recycled many times. I work at a company that uses the recycled plastic from grocery store bags to make durable products. Who knows...someday we may be mining landfills to get the plastic back out!

Answer 3

There are many types of plastics which were developed from petroleum. Bags are generally polyethylene. I have a plastic bag that was made from corn. Actually, the polymer can be made from any organic source. Many are made fro recycled bags.

We definitely should use our own bags. A few stores are giving a slight rebate for using them now, or charging for the bags. Always recycle.