Everytime I am asked this question, I have a brief, internal debate. Which is the lesser of the two evils?
On one hand, plastic prevents the mass destruction of trees and wildlife, preserving habitats for many of our world's species. It is also lighter and more compact, allowing more quantity to be shipped per truck, reducing transportation and decreasing the amount of fuel used and carbon dioxide emitted.
On the other hand, paper bags are recycleable, biodegradeable and use a renewable resource - you can always plant another tree, but you cannot easily replace the petroleum needed to create plastic. You can also fit more stuff in a paper bag, which reduces the quantity of bags needed and, in turn, the amount of waste created.
The ultimate answer would be for everyone to bring their own reusable bag. That would be the least amount of impact on the environment. But what if you forget? Or you're too lazy and cheap to go out and buy these bags?
I guess in the meantime, I'll go with paper. There's something comforting about knowing that my waste won't be hanging around for thousands of years.
3 comments:
All four wheels on German shopping carts turn as well (as in swivel). So, while you're shopping, you get a workout trying to keep your cart under control. You can also buy plastic bags in in the stores in Germany. For this experience state-side, visit Aldi (founded in Germany).
The Europeans are so well versed in conservation - even little things that add up to make a big difference. For example (also in Germany), the escalators that take you to the subway are motion sensored, so they are not continuously running if no one is on them. Maybe we need to take note of the Europeans...
I don't know about NC, but here in Northern Virginia, most grocery stores have bins where you can return your plastic bags to be recycled. And they'll take all kinds of plastic bags, not just grocery ones (for example, we recycle the clear bags that our newspapers get delivered in).
In Arlington, we can also include most hard plastics, such as soda bottles, in our regular recycling.
Today, most plastics can be recycled economically.
Bottom line--you shouldn't have to go all the way to Germany to make the switch from paper to plastic worthwhile.
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