Is it environmentally better to use paper bags from the grocery store as opposed to plastic?

Question

Is it environmentally better to use paper bags from the grocery store as opposed to plastic?

Answer 1

Neither are really that great. Plastic is definetly bad, paper is okay if that paper is recycled, but in my opinion, the cotton bag is definetly the best. They can be bought at grocery stores, and they dont cause pollution.

Answer 2

It make absolutely no difference.  Many grocery stores have bins for recycling both types.

Paper bags are made from recycled paper, plastic bags are so thin they almost don't exist.

Answer 3

Brother,

I am of the opinion that we might want to consider the ravens at this time, I know I am struggling with the last lacking requirement of the rich young ruler.  Do we not all mostly live like kings today?  Serving the King of Kings, yes.

God bless,

Answer 4

paper bags are made from trees that were planted to be used for paper products.

plastic bags are for the most part made from fossil oil,  some from soy oil, but rare.

Answer 5

yes. a paper bag only affects one thing trees. plastic is a hole different store. it takes petrolum and trees.

Answer 6

I'm agnostic on the paper/plastic issue.

I just try to use as many of them as possible to keep the American worker employed...

Answer 7

Well you gotta use something. I prefer the paper bags, mostly recycled and bio degradeable too. You can use plastics without harming the environment the solution - re-use them carry them everytime ypu go to the grocery store.

But personally I'm up for paper.

Answer 8

Neither actually. Most grocery stores now sell reusable cotton bags. My store has reusable insulated bags as well for frozen items. The only time we use the plastic bags is to carry raw meat to keep it separate from other goods, and those can sometimes be returned to the store for recycling.

Answer 9

I believe that paper is better than plastic when it comes to waste in our landfills.  Although they are beginning to make compostable plastics from corn by-products.

I think the best thing to use are the re-usable fabric bags most supermarkets offer now.  You bring them back and re-use them everytime you shop.  Our local supermarket also takes 15 cents off your bill for every fabric bag that you use - not a lot but it adds up in the long run.

Answer 10

I also try to use the reusable cloth ones like limecats whenever possible.

Answer 11

Honestly cloth bags are the way to go but if you were forced to choose between the two go for paper because they are recyclable and can be made from recycled material.