Paper or plastic? And then what...?

Question

Ok, we all grew up with the save the world educational material. Now that we're adults making real decisions that impact our daily lives...what are you choosing? Paper or plastic? And once you get home, what do you do with the bags? Do you re-use them for something else, toss them, what?

Personally, I use plastic. I store most of the bags and re-use them to dispose of cat litter, baby diapers, etc. Or in the rare event that I need packing material, stuff these bags in around stuff is just as effective as styrofoam beans.

Answer 1

Just wanted to say GOOD JOB ladies. I came in to give a good in lightning answer but i see that you all are on the ball. Keep it up.

ps I use my plastic bags for over 100 different daily uses including safely melting them back down and recycling them myself.

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Answer 2

I use cloth. Reuse them over and over.

Answer 3

Although plastic is not good for the environment I personally use them, for one thing our stores here don't offer paper bags which is much better for the environment.  I reuse the plastic bags for the small waste cans around the house or other various things like putting things in it to go some where like the beach or park.  When people come over and need a bag to carry out things I use it for that.  It's a money saver in place of having to buy small trash bags for small trash cans.

Answer 4

I re-use my plastic bags as you described.Hopefully soon compostable plastic bags will be available everywhere from company's such as Ceraplast (cerp.ob)

Answer 5

You realize plastic doesn't decompose. It just breaks up into smaller pieces and release hormone like chemicals in the process.

Answer 6

I have purchased my own shopping bags, but sometimes I forget them. The ones that get through get used for trash or carrying my lunch.

Some countries are starting to require that there be an additional charge for plastic bags. I think that is a good idea and it will encourage people to bring their own. Maybe a tax on the bags to cover the environmental cost of creating and landfilling them is in order as well.

Timothy D.

West Melbourne, FL

Answer 7

Neither!

I bring my own cloth bags and I didn't have to buy them at the store - I have a little eclectic mix of bags that work great.  However, most chain stores offer bags for a good price - I've seen them at Walmart, Stop & Shop, Trader Joes, etc.

I do use the plastic bags I do get from Petco or other times when I forget my bags (keep them in the car!) for garbage, etc.  But, I found the grocery bags were really lightweight and always had holes - I wouldn't dare put cat litter in mine!

I use paper bags I end up with for takeout, etc.,  to hold my paper recycling.

(not that you asked this, but I use Feline Pine cat litter, which you can compost {but not for veggies!})

I really do encourage you to look into reusable bags - it might be a hassle at first, but you get the hang of it quickly.  Plus, most of them have long handles that you can sling over your shoulder which is easier, especially when carrying a baby!

Answer 8

I bring my own heavy-duty fabric bags that I bought at several of the local stores.

I try to use only glass and stainless steel when I am cooking.

I don't use teflon products, aluminum products or plastic at all when cooking or storing food.

Answer 9

We use the canvas bags in preference to plastic or paper. Recycling the plastic bags when I forget to run  in the shops with my alternate bags.