Economists use something called "life cycle analysis" when dealing with the real value of a products carbon footprint. This measure identifies and evaluates the environmental burdens associated with the complete life cycles of the item, from birth until death. Considering that it takes machinery and equipment to produce and deliver these bags it is hardly right to claim they do not "cost" the earth. The factories in which they are produced need electricity, likely from a coal fired power plant. If you are washing them in your laundry? Harmful detergents and electricity, water wastage... the list goes on.As an elaboration to the subject I would like to introduce the infamous Anya Hindmarch "I am not a plastic bag".
You may remember their popularity a few years ago when they hit Sainsbury supermarket stands all over Britain. The particular article I would like to point out titled " At last, a designer handbag that doesn't cost the earth", can be found here.
Not only are there the same costs as defined above, but these bags likely have steel gromets, a refined metal not really environmentally friendly.
Selling at roughly $7 canadian in store, they supplied 20 000 allowing some to be released at earlier dates in select stores and online. They sold out almost immediately and started popping up on eBay at rediculous prices, some around $300.
So as a British consumer, I drive over to the store in my Range Rover to purchase one of these bags, come home, sell it on eBay to make a $293 profit and ship it over to someone in Canada or the U.S by plane (carbon footprint there?).
Maybe I then go out and use my $293 to buy a really nice aligator or leather bag?
Soemtimes I just have to laugh at advertising.
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