Plastic bags pose significant environmental challenges due to low recycling rates and prolonged degradation. In the United States, only 12% of plastic bags are recycled, with the majority ending up in landfills, oceans, or as litter. Their lightweight nature and widespread use contribute to persistent pollution, harming marine ecosystems and human health. Many local governments have implemented bans or fees to reduce consumption, such as California’s 5-cent fee, which decreased usage by 12% within a year. However, alternatives like biodegradable bags face criticism for requiring industrial composting facilities, which are rare, leading to false perceptions of sustainability.

The environmental impact of plastic bags stems from their durability and non-biodegradability. According to the EPA, over 500 billion plastic bags are produced globally annually, with the U.S. contributing nearly 100 billion. These bags take centuries to decompose, leaching microplastics and toxic chemicals into soil and water. A 2020 study in Science found that 35% of marine debris is plastic, with bags frequently ingested by marine life. Recycling rates remain low due to contamination and economic viability issues; only 9.5% of U.S. plastic waste was recycled in 2021 (EPA, 2022). Policies like New York City’s ban on single-use bags reduced plastic waste by 89% in targeted neighborhoods (NYC Sanitation Department, 2023). However, inconsistent regulations and reliance on fossil fuels for production hinder progress. Biodegradable alternatives, while marketed as eco-friendly, often fail to break down without industrial facilities, perpetuating the problem. Addressing plastic bag pollution requires systemic changes in production, recycling infrastructure, and consumer behavior to mitigate ecological harm.