With 15 countries already recognizing the dangers and consequences of using plastic bags, America needs to step up its game in combatting pollution and other negative effects of this often overlooked product. So far 16 states have introduced and/or passed legislation taxing or banning plastic bags, but there's no need to wait for lawmakers as reusable gocery bags are sold in pretty much every store. Plus, reusable bags are way easier on the eyes and can usually hold twice the amount of gocceries of a standard plastic bag, just make sure you know what your reusable bag is made of.

1.) Incentives

Okay, at least do it for the discounts. They may not be much, but major chains like Whole Foods, Target, and Trader Joe's offer a slight discount per reusable bag. So think of buying the $3 bag as an investment; here is a complete list of stores that offer discounts for bringing in a bag. Bonus incentive: they can be really cute! Here's some eco-friendly inspo: small bags, larger bags, and just plain funny bags.

2.) Paper Bags are Just as Bad as Plastic

14 million trees are cut down annually in the United States alone to make those bags, only 20% of which actually end up being recycled.

3.) And Plastic Bags Really Suck

Where to begin? Only 2% of plastic bags are recycled in the U.S. and even then their light weight is easily susceptible to being picked up by the wind to then resettle as litter. It may even end up in the ocean, where an estimated 100,000 birds and turtles mistake the bag for edible sea life like jellyfish and die due to ingesting plastic. Not to mention they're the largest source of ocean litter. Even in the landfill the plastic bag could take anywhere from 15 to 1,000 years to decompose; when it does, since it is not biodegradable, it breaks down through photo degradation-- or decomposition through light exposure--into tiny toxic particles. Also, it takes 12 million barrels of oil to fuel Americans yearly plastic bag consumption.

4.) The Average Reusable Bag has a Lifespan of More Than 700 Plastic Bags

Plus, you won't have to keep adding to that cabinet/pile/bottomless pit of plastic bags we know everyone has in their home.

5.) Don't Stop at Grocery Store Bags

Reusable sandwich bags are a thing and they work wonders at concealing the frosted animal crackers that I snack on in class, I have an adult-ish facade to keep up in college.

Now go out and shop to save the planet!