Plastic bags, also known as poly bags or pouches, are containers made of thin, flexible plastic film, nonwoven fabric, or plastic textile. They have become an integral part of our daily lives due to their wide range of applications.
I. Application in Daily Life
A. Shopping
In grocery stores, plastic bags are the most common way to carry purchased items. They are provided by stores as a convenient option for shoppers. According to statistics, grocery stores are the single largest supplier of single - use plastic bags. For example, in the United States, approximately 320 bags per capita were used in 2014. Shoppers can easily put fruits, vegetables, snacks, and other daily necessities into these bags and carry them home. Besides grocery stores, plastic bags are also used in various other retail stores, such as clothing stores, hardware stores, and bookstores. In clothing stores, plastic bags are used to pack newly purchased clothes, protecting them from dust and damage during transportation.
B. Household Use
Plastic bags have multiple functions at home. They can be used as waste disposal bags. We can put different kinds of garbage into plastic bags, which makes it easier to collect and dispose of the waste. They also serve as temporary containers. When we need to organize small items like buttons, beads, or screws, plastic bags can hold them neatly. Additionally, they can be used to protect valuable items. For instance, we can put jewelry or delicate handicrafts into plastic bags to prevent scratches and damage. In rainy days, plastic bags can be used as improvised rain protection tools. We can cover our heads or put them on our shoes to keep ourselves dry.
II. Application in Industry
A. Packaging in Various Industries
The packaging industry widely uses plastic bags. In the food industry, plastic bags are used to package different types of food. For example, bread, cookies, and candies are often packed in plastic bags to keep them fresh and prevent moisture and air from spoiling the food. In the clothing industry, plastic bags are used to pack clothes during transportation and storage. They can protect the clothes from dirt, humidity, and physical damage. In the electronic industry, small electronic components like resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits are often packed in plastic bags to prevent electrostatic discharge and physical damage. Some plastic bags are made of special materials to meet the anti - static requirements of the electronics industry.
B. Medical Uses
In the medical field, plastic bags play important roles. Their non - porous quality makes them useful for isolating infectious body fluids. For example, in hospitals, when handling blood - contaminated items or medical waste, plastic bags are used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Non - woven plastic bags can be sterilized by gas and maintain sterility, so they can be used in sterile environments. They are also used to store medical supplies such as bandages, syringes, and surgical instruments. These bags are lightweight and flexible, which is convenient for medical staff to carry and store.
III. Advantages Leading to Widespread Application
A. Cost - effectiveness
Plastic bags are relatively inexpensive to produce. The raw materials for making plastic bags, mainly polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE, etc.), are abundant and cost - effective. This low - cost production makes plastic bags an affordable option for both businesses and consumers. For example, grocery stores can provide plastic bags to customers at a very low cost or even for free, which is much cheaper than other packaging materials like paper bags or cloth bags.
B. Lightweight and Portable
They are extremely lightweight, making them easy to carry around. Whether we are shopping in a supermarket or traveling, plastic bags can be easily carried in our hands or bags without adding much weight. Their flexibility also allows them to be folded into small sizes, which is convenient for storage. For instance, when we go on a trip, we can carry some plastic bags in our luggage to hold dirty clothes or other items.
C. Waterproof and Durable
Plastic bags are waterproof, which is very important for protecting items from moisture. When we carry food, electronics, or other items that should be kept dry, plastic bags can effectively prevent water from seeping in. They also have a certain degree of durability. Although they are not as strong as some hard - shell containers, they can withstand a certain amount of stretching and pulling without easily breaking, ensuring that the items inside are well - protected during normal use.
IV. Environmental Concerns Brought by Widespread Use
However, the widespread use of plastic bags also brings serious environmental problems. Plastic bags are made from fossil fuels, and their production consumes a large amount of non - renewable resources. Every year, about 1 to 5 trillion plastic bags are used and discarded around the world. Since plastic never fully breaks down, it causes everlasting pollution of plastics. When plastic bags are discarded improperly, they can create unsightly litter, especially in natural landscapes such as beaches, rivers, and forests. They also pose a threat to wildlife. Many animals, such as sea turtles, birds, and fish, may mistake plastic bags for food and ingest them, which can lead to their injury or death.
In conclusion, plastic bags have been widely used in our daily lives and various industries due to their many advantages. However, we must also pay attention to the environmental problems caused by their over - use and improper disposal. Finding sustainable alternatives and promoting the proper recycling and reuse of plastic bags are crucial steps towards a more environmentally friendly future.
