Why would paper bags need more fuel and energy to manufacture than plastic bags?

Question

i read this in a newspaper article about whole food's ban on plastic bags...they mentioned this but didn't explain Y...

thanx

Answer 1

Do you know how many Walmart bags they can make from one barrel of oil?  All of Missouri could be supplied with plastic bags from one barrel of oil.  Paper bags require trees to be cut down, transported, machined, pulped, chemically treated, and then poured and formed.  Paper bags can be recycled but the energy intensive process needs to be repeated.  Plastic bags degrade in the sun and can be more readily recycled.  Besides, you can insulate your attic with rolled up plastic bags too.

Answer 2

Write newspaper tell them to print newspaper on plastic,

Here in Denmark we´ve been carbon taxed for years, which makes it pretty funny when they say that GW skeptic scientist are paid by evil politicians and the oil industry which controls them. Man made GW is a dream come true for the politicians since they´re always looking for new ways to tax people.

Answer 3

Paper bags contain more matter, and that matter is harder to process.  Plastic bags are WAY cheaper.  It's just extruded low quality plastic.  They're just as easy to recycle in most cases.  These benefits, however, assume that you get them in the recycling bin...(or that there is one)

The problem is that they pose short-term disposal problems.  While some bags do eventually break down, many find their way into drainage systems, sewerage systems, trees, power lines, animals, lots of places where they cause problems.  Because they're so light and thin (which makes them cheap) they tend to blow everywhere.

Next time you're out, pay attention for them:you'll be surprisedsee how large a proportion of litter they make up.

Answer 4

PLASTIC bags take more energy to manufacture, because plastic comes from oil.   Paper comes from trees, which are a renewable resource.

Answer 5

Not sure why but just don't use either.  Just use a reusable bag.  They can be bought at Whole Foods.