Answer to Question #154415 in Macroeconomics for mashiloane

Question

describe in detail the externalities that arise in plastic bags

Answer 1

As plastic bag use spread globally their negative externalities began to emerge. In the case of plastic bags, there are negative externalities at almost every stage of production and use. They can first occur during the extraction of the natural gas or petroleum. During production, harmful chemicals are used to produce polyethylene that can negatively affect people and animals if they come into contact with air or water. However, most of the negative externalities associated with plastic bags occur at the end of their life cycle. In many industrialized countries, nearly half of all plastic bags consumed are distributed by supermarkets and almost all are used for carrying items a short distance from a retail to the consumer’s home. What to do with bags after their single use remains one of the biggest challenges faced by users and municipalities, and it represents a failure in design.