Paper or plastic: which is better for the environment
Story By: Bea Karnes
Source: NBC
Published Tue Feb 26, 2008, 09:53 AM MST
Updated Tue Feb 26, 2008, 09:53 AM MST
Many people are making an effort to avoid plastic bags by reusing paper ones. But is this practice really better for the environment.
Once flimsy and discarded, the paper shopping bag is now reused and hoarded. "I work with 30 women, we all put them in a room and take them as we go," said one shopper.
Retailers, noticing their usability, are retooling their bags. Lavelle Olexa of Lord and Taylor said, "It's important in a city that's a walking city." At G-Star clothing in New York City, the cloth-like bags are so coveted by trend setters, you can only get one if you make a purchase. Store Manager Charles Anderson said the bags are "incredibly popular, they have people wanting to buy one."
For businesses, there’s the obvious plus to the new trend. "You become a walking billboard for a designer or a store," said US Weekly Fashion Editor Charinin Morrison.
Pollution is why China banned plastic bags last month. And it’s why the city of New York recently passed legislation forcing supermarkets to offer plastic bag recycling. "I hate them. I have an accumulation at home," said one shopper.
By Earth Day this April, Whole Foods Market says it will eliminate all plastic bags at stores nationwide. The move comes after years of offering paper or plastic. Instead, the company will use reusable cloth and recycled material bags, and offer customers ten cents back for every bag they bring in and fill. Jennifer McDonnell, Whole Foods Green Mission Specialist said, "It's an easy step many of us can take."
So you think choosing a paper bag over a plastic one is the more environmentally friendly choice? Not necessarily. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, paper bags made without recycled material results in 70 percent more air pollution and 50 times more water pollution than producing plastic bags.
And a pound of plastic still uses 91 percent less energy than a pound of paper to recycle. But plastic isn't biodegradable and consumers use 20 billion more plastic bags than paper ones in the U.S. If going green is the reason for your bag savvy, experts say choose the one you'll re-use.
