The Problem
About how many plastic bags are produced each year around the world?
500 billion
What have some U.S. cities created to stop plastic bags in stores?
Rules (laws)
Instead of banning plastic bags, what do some people say we need?
They need better ways to recycle.
What does “public” mean?
Open to all people
What percentage of plastic bags are recycled?
fewer than 3%
What has dropped in California cities after banning plastic bags?
The number of bags littering the streets
What are stores putting out to make recycling easier?
Bins for plastic bags
What does “united” mean?
To join together
Where do plastic bags often end up as litter?
streets and public parks
What habit will a ban help shoppers form?
Bringing reusable bags
Why are plastic bags convenient?
People cannot carry reusable bags all the time.
What does “form” mean in the sentence “form the habit”?
To create or develop
How do plastic bags hurt wildlife?
The animals mistake them for food.
Why should we limit plastic use?
To save resources
Why might buying reusable bags be difficult for some people?
They cost money.
What does “exclaimed” mean?
To say loudly or strongly
What two parts of the environment do plastic bags pollute?
land and water
Why do some people believe we should finally limit plastic use?
To protect the planet and save resources
Who do some people say does not understand how bans hurt shoppers?
Writers of the laws
What does “resources” mean?
Materials we use like water, oil, trees.