There are approximately 46,000 pieces of plastic floating in each square mile of our oceans. Turtles, dolphins and killer whales mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and die of intestinal blockage. Only 0.5 percent of consumer plastic is recycled. Plastic shopping bags are difficult to recycle because of contamination - usually from the food articles that they have held. These are hard wearing, washable and can be composted at the end of their useful life.
Cardboard boxes come in a wide range of sizes.
They are lightweight, durable, washable and can be used for storing items as well. They can be used to purchase meat, cheeses, olives and other deli-type items. Use newspaper and then wrap up the garbage in it for transfer to the outside bin for collection. OR don't line the bin at all and wash it out after it has been emptied. The Anti-Plastic Bag Campaign W.H.E.N. Australia has an ongoing 'Ban the Bag' campaign against the overuse and free distribution of plastic carry bags in our society.