Sea Turtles Don't Shop!

Over 100,000 marine animals DIE every year
from PLASTIC entanglement!

The problem
Plastic bags are:

• Made from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource.
• A serious litter problem since they are lightweight and hard to contain (blow around).
• Non-biodegradable, breaking into smaller particles BUT never fully disappearing.
• Mistaken for food by marine animals (particularly sea turtles).
• One of the most numerous items of litter along with cigarette butts and Styrofoam.
• A major part of waste in our landfills.

"I'm the problem, I'm the solution"

The solution

• Bring your own cloth bag.
• Ask for paper bag (holds 5 to 6 times more than a plastic bag).
• Ask your merchant to promote cloth bags (charge for plastic or provide incentives for cloth).
• Encourage development of bags made from natural products such as cornstarch and soy.
• Write your elected officials regarding the hazards of plastic bags.
• Participate in a community/beach cleanup.

It's a global thing!

Other countries are ahead of the United States in finding ways to reduce the impact of plastic bags on the environment!
Bangladesh:
Polythene plastic bags have been banned completely - the government is promoting bags made of jute, a natural fiber.
Ireland:
Individual consumers are required to pay a 15c tax per plastic bag - this has resulted in an estimated 90% reduction in plastic bag use in the first year.
The European Union:
Member countries require manufacturers/producers of plastic bags and other plastic waste to take them back and recycle them.
Taiwan and South Africa:
Both countries prohibit the thinner plastic bags - this encourages people to bring their own bags since retailers can't afford to provide the more expensive, thicker plastic bags for free.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

• Buy your drinks in glass or aluminum containers
  (75% of aluminum cans are recycled only 36% of plastic bottles)
• Bring your own mug or cup
• Reuse plastic utensils and containers
• Make plastic bags into jump ropes, rugs, and hats

Plastics, like diamonds, are forever!