1. Contribute to flooding in urban areas

Flimsy polythene bags litter clogs drainage and sewer lines increasing the costs of maintenance, and if unattended lead to flooding of urban areas during heavy rains. 

2. Kills animals after ingesting the bags

They are a threat to aquatic life, wildlife animals and livestock whereby if ingested, the polythene bags fill the gut of the animal and kill it, and remain intact even after the death and decomposition of the animal. 

3. Act as breeding grounds for harmful organisms

Polythene bags trap stagnant water which becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes that cause malaria which can kill people.

4. Take centuries to decompose

The decomposition of polythene bags takes about 1000 years and this means that they remain for long in the environment. 

5. Release toxic fumes when burnt

If burned, they pollute air with toxic fumes that contain chemicals including dioxins and furans, which have been linked with cancer. It is common to find people burning waste at dumpsites and at residential areas. The smoke flows freely and people seemed not to be aware of the dangers they were exposed to. Hence many people may have been exposed to carcinogens from plastic smoke.

6. Reduce environmental aesthetics

Once used and disposed improperly, polythene bags becomes litter and finds it’s way into waterways, parks, beaches and streets reducing their aesthetics. Evidence of being near an urban centre was the increase in prevalence of all colour of polythene bags. Our trees were full of differently coloured bags blown by wind.