The Conserve Plastic Bags Initiative is a multi-disciplinary project that addresses the issue of the consumption of plastic bags. In short, this project has three primary goals: (1) To raise public awareness on the consumption of plastic bags, (2) to instill moral and civic responsibilities that inspire behavioral, environmental, and economic changes in our community and, (3) to apply students’ statistical training and knowledge to a real-world issue in our community.

Why is the consumption of plastic bags an issue?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. alone consumes approximately 380 billion plastic bags annually, posing environmental risks to animals and economic costs to consumers. Though this number is impressive, there is no personal connection to this statistic. On the other hand, there is no value associated to a single plastic bag. Consequently, we are left with the same outcome: No change in behavior, while the number of plastic bags continues to accrue. Is there a way to think more personally about these 380 billion plastic bags?

Moreover, the issue of plastic-bag consumption is relevant at a community level. To date, the state of Indiana does not provide plastic-bag recycling. Wal-Mart is the only company in St. Joseph County that recycles plastic bags, and those bags are shipped to a facility in Ohio for recycling. In addition, Martin’s is the only grocery-store chain that offers a financial incentive for reusing plastic bags. That is, for every plastic bag that is reused, patrons receive a .03-cent credit towards their groceries. Although Martin’s periodically advertises this program in their newsletters, it is unclear how many people know of this financial incentive. Educational resources are therefore needed to promote plastic-bag recycling and conservation efforts in South Bend, IN.

Financial and community support has been provided by:
Indiana Campus Compact
Indiana University South Bend
Marshall-Starke Development Center
Riverbend Math Community Center
Solid Waste Management District of St. Joseph County
South Bend Waste Paper
Reusablebags.com
The Lily Endowment Fund
Wal-Mart