When it comes to shopping is better when you get paper or plastic bags? Which one is earth friend-lier?

Question

Thanks!!! Just trying to do my part!!!

Answer 1

Paper is much better  - it is  bio-degradable and can be re-used for many other things. When I was young there were no plastic bags, which I understand do not degrade for 49 years.

EM

Answer 2

Neither get one of those green bags they can be used over and over again

Answer 3

If you plan to reuse the bag the next time you go shopping I find plastic folds up smaller and I can use it about 10 times whereas paper not so much.  Also it takes less energy to make a plastic bag then it does a paper bag.

Answer 4

either one can be recycled

Answer 5

You know you should use a fabric bag and you could use it over and over.

Answer 6

I am no expert but I can shed light on a few parts of the equation.  Paper is made from trees,  a renewable resource.  It is biodegradable and can be burned as a fuel after its useful life is over or it can be recycled.  It also uses a lot of fuel to harvest and transport trees to the paper mill.  The paper manufacturing process uses a lot of energy and a lot of water and harmful chemicals.  Most plastic bags will break down quickly if exposed to light.  In landfills they will break down but it takes longer.  Plastic bags are lighter and smaller than paper so they can be delivered to stores in fewer trucks.  I don't know if it takes more energy and resources to make plastic bags compared to paper.  My guess is when you consider the energy and resources that go into making bags that plastic is more earth friendly than paper.

Answer 7

neither get a canvas bag they sell them at the grocery store.

Answer 8

Paper is the best. Plastic never breaks down or go back into the earth. They just sit there or blow in the winds forever and ever. Paper will eventually break down and become soil. This is what we want. Keep our environment healthy. Choose the paper bag and recycle.

Answer 9

If you only have paper or plastic as an option, choose paper. They do cost a little more to manufacture, but if they can be easily recycled and reused. If they do eventually end up in a landfill, they'll degrade faster than plastic.

The plastic bag, even if you pledge to re-use it, won't break down for thousands of years. Recycling options are limited, so it's likely to end up in a landfill that your great-grandchildren's great-grandchildren will be living next to.

That said, reusable bags -- whether they be canvas or a heavy-duty recycled plastic -- are your best bet in the long-run. You'll keep re-using them, keeping them out of landfills, and sending manufacturers a message that you're not interested in bags that go to landfills.

Some stores will even offer you a small discount when you bring in your own bags.

If you're not prepared to take the plunge into reuseable bags yet, opt for paper and fold them up for re-use the next time you visit the store.

Answer 10

You make me come to a dilemma, because if I use paper, I'll be killing the trees, and if I use plastic, I'll be polluting the planet more and more. However, some paper bags are made from wood that comes from reforestation, so in the end maybe it's better. You have to agree that paper is decomposed much faster than plastic.

Answer 11

Paper, of course!  Also could get a cardboard box from the store too. If in a pinch, bring your own bags - plastic or fabric. Fabric would be better. Could bring plastic totes if you wanted or "milk" cartons, laundry hamper. etc.  For that matter bring the "new" bio-degradeable bags.

How about a backpack and go more often - 2X week instead of 1X. Be creative. Try growing some veg. on yr. own. Tomatoes in windows if live in apt. or outside if own a house. Use yr. own composting.

Ask a kid - they are very cre8tive in ways to solve problems or challenges. (We get cluttered minds from carrying "junk" - prejudices, phobias, hang-ups)

Happy shopping!

Answer 12

fabric bags are proven to be reusable over and over and .....over.

the friendliest of all.

Answer 13

Neither plastic or paper bag is good. you should use a fabric or canvas bag those are more earth friendly and you can reuse them. But if you would have to choose between paper or plastic, paper would be better because you can recycle it.

Answer 14

cloth bags... both are horrible.