Every time we go the store we hear the same thing,
“paper or plastic?” But what about reusable bags? Does it really
make a difference? The answer: Yes! If you happen to forget your
reusable bag, what is the next best choice?
“These days, most plastic bags are made from a type
of plastic called polyethylene. 80% of polyethylene is produced from natural
gas – an abundant, yet non-renewable resource that produces CO2.”
Although these plastic bags can be recycled, less than 6% of them are.
The other 94.8% of them end up in your local landfill. We have not been
around long enough to actually know how long it takes for plastic to decompose,
so know one can really say, but experts speculate between 500-1000 years.
So you are probably thinking the next best choice is paper… Maybe!
“According to Boustead
Consulting & Assoc. Ltd who produced a recent report for the
Progressive Bag Alliance, polyethylene uses less energy, oil and water
(potable) than paper bags made with 30% recycled fibers. Their study also shows
that plastic grocery bags emit fewer greenhouse gases and less solid
waste.” With this being said, they are more easily recycled and hold four
times as much as one plastic bag.
In conclusion, neither is a great choice so do not
feel like a saint for choosing paper. Bring your own reusable bag!
Some stores even pay you do so. At Winco they credit you six cents for
each reusable bag that you bring with you every time. Save money, reduce
your carbon footprint and choose reusable shopping bags.
It is the little things that we can all do that
will make a huge difference on this planet that we all share.
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