We all want to do our part to save the planet, so long as it's not too inconvenient,

banning plastic bags has always seemed like a great low-hanging fruit for fighting pollution

and global warming.

But when you look at the science, one starts to wonder whether any economists, climatologists

or material scientists were consulted in developing these bands, because the science sure doesn't

look like it.

The trashy secret of plastic bag bands is today on Skeptoid.

You're listening to Skeptoid.

I'm Brian Dunning from Skeptoid.com, the trashy secret of plastic bag bands.

All around the world, bands on plastic carry out bags are being passed faster than you

can keep track, especially in western countries like the United States, where environmental

sentiment is most prolific.

The idea behind the bands is simple and self-evident, a reduction in waste and litter, and

a corresponding reduction in associated environmental impacts like greenhouse gases.

At first glance, it seems like a perfectly rational step.

Shoppers will turn to lower-impact options like reusable bags, or easily recyclable paper

bags.

The environment will benefit, or will it?

For it turns out that from end to end, virtually every single belief that informs these bands

is based on misinformation, and as a result, bands on plastic carry out bags do more harm

than good.

Most people have heard this claim, and many have dismissed it as pro-industry propaganda.

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