Bag Footprint Calculator
Calculate and compare the environmental impact of different shopping bag types
Environmental Impact Calculator
Reusing bags reduces their environmental impact per use
Environmental Impact Results
Break-even Analysis
You need to use your plastic bag at least 1 times to have the same carbon footprint as using 1 plastic bags.
Your Annual Impact Equals
Plastic bag Details
Pros:
- ✓Lowest carbon footprint per use
- ✓Lightweight
- ✓Water resistant
Cons:
- ×Ocean pollution
- ×Not biodegradable
- ×Low recycling rate (1%)
Eco-Friendly Tips
Refuse bags when you don't need them
Reuse plastic bags as bin liners
Keep reusable bags in your car
Choose organic cotton for best sustainability
Use bags until they wear out completely
Understanding Bag Environmental Impact
The 4Rs Rule
1. Refuse
The best bag is the one you don't take. Refuse unnecessary bags whenever possible.
2. Reduce
Minimize your bag usage by combining purchases and using fewer bags.
3. Reuse
Extend bag life by reusing them for shopping, storage, or as bin liners.
4. Recycle
Properly dispose of bags through recycling programs when they wear out.
Key Insights
Plastic Bags Reality
While plastic bags have the lowest carbon footprint per use, they cause significant ocean pollution and have extremely low recycling rates (only 1%).
Paper Bags Truth
Paper bags create 70% more air pollution during production than plastic bags and don't degrade quickly in landfills without proper oxygen and water.
Cotton Bags Challenge
Cotton tote bags need to be used 131+ times to offset their high initial carbon footprint due to energy-intensive cotton production.
Remember: The most eco-friendly option is often to bring your own container or refuse the bag entirely when possible.