Climatecare : The widespread use of plastic bags is damaging in many ways. The manufacturing of plastic bags is harmful to the environment because nonrenewable resources are used. Also, discarded bags end up in landfills, where they do not decompose but seep into the ground. Bags that end up in the ocean can kill marine life. The recycling of plastic bags, while preferable to other disposal methods, is not cost-effective. Plastic bags have only existed for 25 years yet the billions that have been produced since then have caused immeasurable damage to the environment and to wildlife.

Manufacture   : Plastic bags are made from petroleum and natural gas, both nonrenewable fossil fuels. Methods of obtaining petroleum and natural gas are harmful to the Earth's ecosystems and the supply is controlled largely by foreign governments. The manufacturing process itself uses toxic chemicals, pollutes the atmosphere and consumes energy. The transportation of the billions of plastic bags produced annually means further energy consumption, largely in the form of more petroleum.

Cost  : Plastic bags are given to consumers for free in enormous quantities. They are automatically used even when a bag is not necessary and often multiple bags are used at one time. The price paid for the plastic bags by the retailer is passed on to the consumer through higher prices for goods.

Disposal  : Plastic bags that are thrown away mostly end up in landfills. They do not decompose but will take up to 1,000 years to break down into smaller pieces, which seep into the soil and release toxic chemicals that eventually reach the water supply. Plastic bags contaminate both soil and water.

Oceans  : Plastic bags that reach the oceans do not break down and are extremely harmful to marine life. Sea turtles mistake them for their main food source, jellyfish, and choke to death. Other marine creatures also mistake plastic bags for food and either choke trying to eat them or are poisoned by eating them. It is virtually impossible to clean the oceans of plastic bags.

Litter  : Many plastic bags are not thrown away or recycled and end up littering the environment. They become airborne and get trapped in trees, fences, sewers and waterways where they will remain or make their way to the oceans. They are unattractive and damaging to natural landscapes and can trap or choke wildlife.

Recycling  : Even when plastic bags are recycled, the cost in terms of energy and manpower is greater than the value of the material produced. Because plastic bags are entirely unnecessary and replaceable, it is better to not use them at all than to use and recycle them.