Ban It or Bag It? (Part 1)

In the article’s introduction, which term best describes plastic bags that are used once and then discarded?

• Reusable

• Compostable

• Disposable

• Biodegradable

According to John Jurinek, what single word sums up what is wrong with plastic bags?

• Nothing

• Everything

• Cost

• Convenience

Which environmental impact is directly mentioned as a problem caused by plastic bags in the passage?

• They enrich soil nutrients.

• They pollute the oceans.

• They reduce oil use.

• They increase fish populations.

Supporters of banning plastic bags claim that the bags are made from oil products and use up what type of resources?

• Renewable

• Nonrenewable

• Agricultural

• Infinite

What statistic is provided about the distribution of plastic bags at grocery stores?

• One out of every two bags is plastic.

• Four out of every five bags handed out are plastic.

• Only paper bags are free.

• Plastic bags are given only upon request.

Which reason do supporters of a ban give related to wildlife, according to the Worldwatch Institute?

• Plastic bags protect sea turtle nests.

• Plastic bags provide food for seabirds.

• Tens of thousands of marine animals die from contact with ocean-borne plastic bags.

• Plastic bags keep beaches clean.

What argument does Judith McKenney make against an outright ban on plastic bags?

• Bans are too expensive for stores.

• Individuals should take personal responsibility rather than rely on government legislation.

• Plastic bags are fully biodegradable.

• Paper bags are more dangerous than plastic.

Which point does Laurie Kusek make in defense of plastic bags?

• They are rarely reused at home.

• They are the main cause of ocean pollution.

• Many plastic grocery bags are reused for tasks like trash can liners or picking up pet waste.

• Retailers do not give out too many bags.

According to the passage, what argument do critics of plastic bag bans make about consumers?

• Consumers would switch to reusable cloth bags immediately.

• Consumers will always need something to carry shopping items.

• Consumers prefer paying bag taxes over bans.

• Consumers recycle nearly all plastic bags.

What does the American Forest and Paper Association report about trees and paper bags each year?

• 7 million trees are cut down to produce 5 billion paper bags.

• 14 million trees are cut down to produce 10 billion paper grocery bags.

• 20 million trees are planted to offset paper bag use.

• Recycling eliminates the need to cut trees for paper bags.