Paper or plastic? This question is usually followed by an effortless answer, in which the shopper thinks of the easiest way to transport their groceries home. Many people today do not consider the consequences of this decision. At that time, the environment does not seem important. The shopper simply wants to bag their groceries and leave the store so that they can complete the other tasks for that day. Although it may not seem like a serious decision, the decision may lead to further destruction of the environment. Plastic may seem like a good choice because you can reuse the bag for other things like trash, or lunch, but plastic is more harmful to the environment than it appears. Plastics emit toxins into the air as is degrades in the land fill. In the rare occasion that the shopper decides to recycle the bags, there are still problems. Simply supporting the plastic bag industry, indirectly supports the use and emissions of millions of gallons of oil. If we could cut back on plastic bag production, think how much of that oil we could use for alternative purposes. After all this analysis the shopper might decide paper bags are more "Eco-friendly;"however, paper bags use the same if not more energy for its production. Also paper bag production causes more trees to be cut down.
All in all, neither paper nor plastic are necessarily better for the environment. Although, it takes a lot more effort, I think reusable bags are the best for the environment. If purchased from ans Eco-friendly company, it can be the best option for bagging groceries without destroying the environment. I have to admit, I do not use reusable grocery bags. However, after contemplating the consequences in such detail, I think I might change my ways.
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