Supermarkets widely use plastic bags for product protection, convenience, and cost efficiency. However, their environmental impact, including pollution and waste, remains a significant concern.

The reliance on plastic bags in supermarkets stems from their low production costs, durability, and ease of use. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. generates approximately 100 billion plastic bags annually, with supermarkets contributing heavily due to frequent single-use requirements. A 2021 study by the Break Free From Plastic coalition found that supermarkets accounted for 12% of all plastic waste collected in coastal cleanups, highlighting systemic challenges. While biodegradable alternatives have gained traction, their adoption is limited by high costs and inconsistent degradation in natural environments. For instance, a 2020 University of California study revealed that 70% of "compostable" bags tested failed to break down within six months in industrial compost facilities. Additionally, only 12% of plastic bags in the U.S. are recycled, per EPA data, as most end up in landfills or oceans.超市塑料袋的环境影响数据表明，仅12%被回收（EPA, 2023），而超市贡献了12%的海岸塑料污染（Break Free From Plastic, 2021）。尽管可降解材料使用增加，但成本仍是主要障碍（UC Study, 2020）。政策层面，加州已实施10美分/个的塑料袋收费政策，推动使用率下降40%（CA DTSC, 2022），但全国性法规仍缺位。消费者行为研究显示，78%的购物者更倾向免费塑料袋（尼尔森, 2023），显示经济激励对习惯改变的关键作用。未来需平衡便利性与可持续性，通过混合材料创新（如30%再生塑料配方）和智能购物袋推广（如可重复使用袋占超市陈列的35%）实现转型。