ABSTRACT
The free plastic bag seems the economic equivalent to the paradox of Achilles and the Tortoise in philosophy, where the concept of motion is denied. In both instances, what seems impossible on paper is refuted before our eyes. The free plastic bag should not exist. Critics of plastic bags occasionally speak of how these products are gobbling up precious landfill space. If only they were. It is estimated that 19 percent of all storm drain litter in Los Angeles county is accounted for by plastic bags. This trash has cost Californian taxpayers almost US$2 billion over the last 20 years, as regulations require that the drains remain clear of trash which otherwise could be swept out to sea. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch: "It's a giant trash island, as big as Texas" the author frequently hears this about the massive floating field of waste trapped by the North Pacific Gyre.
