Statements:
1. Plastic bags were invented in the 1960s.
2. Plastic bags are the default choice at supermarket checkout counters.
3. The environmental impact of plastic bags is mainly caused by post-use.
4. The US throws away 100 million plastic bags annually.
5. Plastic bags can take over 500 years to degrade.
6. Plastic bags break down into microplastics, which are harmful to marine life.
7. Cloth reusable bags have a smaller environmental impact than plastic bags.
8. Paper bags have a smaller environmental impact than plastic bags.
9. Paper bags need to be used three times to equate a single use of a plastic bag.
10. Cloth bags need to be used 131 times to equate a single use of a plastic bag.
Correct answers:
1. True
2. True
3. False - The environmental impact of plastic bags is mainly caused by resource extraction and raw
material production.
4. False - The US throws away 100 billion plastic bags annually.
5. True
6. True
7. False - Plastic bags have the smallest environmental impact out of plastic, paper, and cloth bags.
8. False - Plastic bags have the smallest environmental impact out of plastic, paper, and cloth bags.
9. True
10. True