A single plastic bag can take a 1,000 years to break down in the environment, and when it does, it contaminates everything around it.

But Gibbons Company wants to be part of the solution, not the problem.

In December, the company started giving away reusable biodegradable bags decorated with a marine theme. Next month, the company plans to start charging for the bags, and also plastic bags.

Part of the proceeds will go to sustainability programmes at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

“Our ecosystem is precious,” Gibbons Company CEO Paula Clarke said. “It provides and sustains life for not only us as humans, but also a wide range of species including those that are native and endemic to Bermuda, and as a result, we feel compelled to help reduce the amount of plastics in and around our beautiful natural environment.

“By switching to reusable bags, Gibbons Company is playing a vital role in helping to change consumer habits by encouraging customers to use less waste, particularly single-use plastic bags. With the reusable bags now in circulation across the island, it provides the ideal opportunity for them to be used for shopping at Gibbons Company again and again, while also giving persons an appealing, durable and versatile eco-friendly bag for many other purposes such as outings on the beach or a picnic at the park.”

Jessica Steede, the company’s marketing co-ordinator, said she had been pleasantly surprised how successful the reusable bags had been.

“It has been great,” she said. The bags can now be seen on shoppers’ arms all over Bermuda.

“They’ve even been spotted in Boston,” Ms Steede said.

Starting on March 4, the price for the reusable bags will be a $1 for a small bag, $1.25 for a medium and $1.50 for a large. Customers will also receive a free, right-sized bag with a purchase of $150 or more, for a limited time. Plastic bags will still be available for 10 cents to 20 cents depending on the size.

The durable bags are made out of recycled plastic water bottles, about two to four bottles per bag depending on the size. Bottles are collected, cleaned, sorted and processed by being crushed into small pieces. They are then re-formed into yarn to make up the fabric of the bags.

The entire process uses less water and produces less CO2 emissions than other textiles like cotton, linen, and wool.

Gibbons Company is currently working on a reusable solution for their jumbo (pillow) bag and therefore, will not be charging for them at this time. Jumbo bags will only be available for the purchase of large items, such as pillows and comforter sets, which suit the needs of the bag.

Ms Steede said they hoped other companies would follow their lead.

“The grocery stores have already been doing this,” she said.

• For more information see www.gibbons.bm/gibbons-company-reusable-bags