Term Paper
PAPER OR PLASTIC? THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF PLASTIC CARRIER BAG LEGISLATION IN THE UNITED STATES.
A THESIS Presented to The Faculty of the Department of Economics and Business The Colorado College
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Bachelor of Arts
By Leeland C. Smith May 2009
PAPER OR PLASTIC? THE ECONOMIC IMPLICAnONS OF PLASTIC CARRIER BAG LEGISLA nON IN THE UNITED STATES. Leeland C. Smith May, 2009 Economics
Abstract
This study aims to detennine the best possible option for the United States to reduce the number of disposable plastic carrier bags consumed each year. First an evaluation of the economic and environmental implications associated with disposable carrier bag use is discussed to justify the research question. An analysis of global plastic bag regulation is used to demonstrate strategies that can be pursued in the United States. Several initiatives have been introduced by city and state governments within the United States. to control plastic bag consumption. These examples are analyzed and discussed Retailers including Whole Foods, Wal-Mart, and IKEA have also chosen to voluntarily reduce the number of plastic bags used in their stores. The results of these voluntary initiatives are examined in case studies. Two surveys were conducted to compliment the qualitative analysis in this report with quantitative statistics used to predict plastic bag consumption. The results of this analysis indicates that the United States should balance voluntary reductions with legislative actions. KEYWORDS: (Plastic Bag, United States, Legislation)
ON MY HONOR, I HAVE NEITHER GIVEN NOR RECEIVED UNAUTHORIZED AID ON THIS THESIS
Signature / /
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
1ll
IV
1 INTRODUCTION 2 BACKGROUND
Definition - Plastic Carrier Bag The History of Carrier Bags Waste Affect on Marine Ecosystems Consumption Statistics Life Cycle Analysis Plastic Bags Paper Bags Reusable Bags Conclusion
1 5 5
6
3 LITERATURE REVIEW
A THESIS Presented to The Faculty of the Department of Economics and Business The Colorado College
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Bachelor of Arts
By Leeland C. Smith May 2009
PAPER OR PLASTIC? THE ECONOMIC IMPLICAnONS OF PLASTIC CARRIER BAG LEGISLA nON IN THE UNITED STATES. Leeland C. Smith May, 2009 Economics
Abstract
This study aims to detennine the best possible option for the United States to reduce the number of disposable plastic carrier bags consumed each year. First an evaluation of the economic and environmental implications associated with disposable carrier bag use is discussed to justify the research question. An analysis of global plastic bag regulation is used to demonstrate strategies that can be pursued in the United States. Several initiatives have been introduced by city and state governments within the United States. to control plastic bag consumption. These examples are analyzed and discussed Retailers including Whole Foods, Wal-Mart, and IKEA have also chosen to voluntarily reduce the number of plastic bags used in their stores. The results of these voluntary initiatives are examined in case studies. Two surveys were conducted to compliment the qualitative analysis in this report with quantitative statistics used to predict plastic bag consumption. The results of this analysis indicates that the United States should balance voluntary reductions with legislative actions. KEYWORDS: (Plastic Bag, United States, Legislation)
ON MY HONOR, I HAVE NEITHER GIVEN NOR RECEIVED UNAUTHORIZED AID ON THIS THESIS
Signature / /
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
1ll
IV
1 INTRODUCTION 2 BACKGROUND
Definition - Plastic Carrier Bag The History of Carrier Bags Waste Affect on Marine Ecosystems Consumption Statistics Life Cycle Analysis Plastic Bags Paper Bags Reusable Bags Conclusion
1 5 5
6
3 LITERATURE REVIEW