Paper Bags – Not The Alternative You May Have Thought
In a world which seems to become more eco-sensitive by the moment, may people still incorrectly assume that paper bags, because they are biodegradable, are a better choice than plastic. They aren't.
According to a 2006 report from the US Environmental Protection Agency, paper makes up more than 30 percent of our municipal solid waste. In the United States alone, 10 billion paper bags are consumed each year, representing 14 million trees harvested for their production. According to the Film and Bag Federation, paper bags consume 40 percent more energy, generate 80 percent more solid waste, produce 70 percent more atmospheric emissions, and release up to 94 percent more waterborne wastes, compared to plastic grocery bags.
What this tells us is that the energy consumption and pollution generated from the production of paper bags, as well as the waste generated after their consumption, prevent paper bags from being a viable, eco-friendly alternative to plastic grocery bags. So many of you who thought that paper bags were the better choice, now know better. But now, what should you do? What options do you have?
In light of the above information, reusable bags then, especially those made with natural materials, are really the one true alternative for lessening the negative environmental impact of disposable bags for our world. With a growing number of manufacturers and distributors of these bags, as well as an increasing variety of availability in terms of sizes and styles, reusable bags are a more attractive, as well as socially and environmentally conscious choice for bag use today.