Reusable Bags: Better Than Paper Or Plastic
Do you think paper bags are a better choice than plastic bags? Perhaps you assume that because they are more biodegradeable that they are a better option in the check out lane at your grocer. Although you are right to assume that better options are out there for the plastic bag, unfortunately paper bags are not the answer.
According to a 2006 report from the US Environmental Protection Agency, more than 30 percent of our municipal solid waste comes from paper. In the United States alone, 10 billion paper bags are consumed each year, representing 14 million trees harvested for their production. According to the Film and Bag Federation, generate 80 percent more solid waste, produce 70 percent more atmospheric emissions, and release up to 94 percent more waterborne wastes, compared to plastic grocery bags.
These numbers show that the amount of energy consumed and amount of pollution generated by paper bags simply make paper bags a horrible alternative to plastic bags for everyday shopping. The truth is that the only good alternative that has the potential to break this horrible path that we are currently on is the reusable shopping bags.
In light of the above information, reusable bags then, especially those made with natural materials, are the best alternative for lessening the negative environmental impact of disposable bags for our world. With a growing number of manufacturers and distributors of these bags, as well as an increasing variety of availability in terms of sizes and styles, reusable shopping bags are a more attractive, as well as socially and environmentally conscious choice for bag use today.
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