Paper or plastic? The surprising answer

comments from our community

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  Posted by Brian Mon Mar 2, 2009 11:12am PST

  Here is thing about recycling plastic bags; most don't become a bag again. They are not recycled they are downcycled into something like plastic lumber which can’t be recycled. So don’t pick plastic bags and don’t pick paper either. BUY REUSABLE and outlaw plastic.

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  Posted by dabigman Mon Mar 2, 2009 2:32pm PST

  Yes bags may be turned into the "plastic lumber" however when treated with a little respect the "plastic" lumber will outlive the steel the bench or table its being used with.

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  Posted by Alicia Mon Mar 2, 2009 8:47pm PST

  1.The raw material of plastic bags is oil. Therefore, the more we use plastic bags, the more we waste oil - a non-renewable energy source. 2. The petroleum-based plastic bags take decades to break down, so if they are not recycled they litter. It creates visual pollution: in the streets, on the beaches etc. Also, they can clog roadside drains, which could cause street flooding during heavy rainfall. 3. Plastic bags can be recycled but it rarely happens: according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, only 1% of plastic bags were recycled in 2000, against twenty percent for paper bags. 4. They endanger wildlife and particularly sea life such as sea turtles and dolphins which can die of entanglement, suffocation, and ingestion because they assume that these bags are jellyfish. re-usable bags are the best option

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  Posted by Amy G Wed Mar 4, 2009 4:43am PST

  BUY REUSABLE THERES NO QUESTIONS THEY LAST LONGER FIT MORE HANDLES ARE STRONGER BUT YOU HAVE TO REMEBER TO BRING THEM IN FROM THE CAR !

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  Posted by Anna Wed Mar 4, 2009 5:39am PST

  Plastic bags have many uses. You can store things in them, throw out opened cans, fruit peelings, tie up old clothing to throw out, etc. I save them and use them for whatever purpose...

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  Posted by buckeye431@verizon.net Wed Mar 4, 2009 6:59am PST

  90% of anything of paper from wood comes from commercial tree farms. That is renewable. They are not cutting down virgin forests or the rain forest to make paper bags, or computer paper etc. So many myths out there that just make people feel good.

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  Posted by Doris Thu Mar 5, 2009 9:48am PST

  Speaking for the elders in the community, I have a strong preference for paper bags because I lift them with stronger arm and back muscles rather than my hands; plastic bags are very hard on arthritic fingers. Also, plastic bags dump contents in the back of my car to roll around until I find someone younger to climb inside to retrieve the food (hoping it's not perishable and stinky before it gets located). Paper bags in the kitchen hold recyclables until pick up day rather than making multiple trips outdoors to the blue bin. Plastic bags (all Walmart carries despite my requests) are stored in my car until I carry them back to the store to recycle.

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  Posted by AnitaL Sat Mar 7, 2009 8:58am PST

  here in my country , people use plastic bag as paper bag is unpopular and can't store many things( cause it can torn easily when u buy lots of things ). I've ask this questions and the answer is simple. Plastic bag is cheaper than paper bag. recycling is a big problem! but sometimes it's just the economic demand make things worse . Why we still produce plastic bag when we know it's not good . that's just because people still wanting it. so i start it from my self ... and hope that those smart people can find out the clues for this problems \( _

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  Posted by jonnythe Sat Mar 7, 2009 9:06am PST

  I've never heard anybody mention that paper is more rigid than plastic and protects your produce better...unless you want your delicate apricots to become apricot jam before you get home, and relish bruised salad. Paper is also more more rigid than cloth re-usable bags. So...my solution is to use reusable bags that fold up tiny and stay in my purse for groceries that are squish-proof, then use paper bags for produce and reuse them for recyclables.

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  Posted by CoachF Sat Mar 7, 2009 9:17am PST

  Let's focus on having a Nuclear pact with Russia, make sure North Korea doesn't blow up Alaska... and make sure there is enough money in our pockets to even shop at a store, before we worry about Paper, or Plastic.

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  Posted by Mary J Sat Mar 7, 2009 9:19am PST

  We take our plastic bags back to the grocery store for them to recyle. It is so easy,because you are going back to the grocery store anyway

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  Posted by Jenny Sat Mar 7, 2009 9:32am PST

  Some uses for paper bags many have forgotten because we have gotton so "material" is book covers for kids at school; dontate these bags to the school. Do art projects with kids, donate them to food banks to distribute foods. use them as a barrier between surfaces and projects around the house, coloring, painting, staining and so forth. I do have many cloth bags for the store but I forget to get them into the car. I haven't gotten myself trained yet. Until then i will use paper.

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  Posted by BelleZora Sat Mar 7, 2009 10:28am PST

  Over the years I've picked up thousands of bags blowing around 2 national parks where I worked. Next time you're out driving or walking, notice plastic bags that may be littering up the landscape.

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  Posted by rickyB Sat Mar 7, 2009 12:59pm PST

  Where I live in Southern California, and most nearby communities, paper bags ARE recyclable. We put them in the recycle bin with tin and aluminum cans, plastic bottles, newspapers, and other recyclables. We are not allowed to put plastic bags in the recycle bin. Some stores put up containers for customers to "recycle" bags to, but after a few months the programs go away. Always. And for a few weeks, some people who have brought bags just leave them on the sidewalk near the door. Guess where those go? Apparently the basic program for this product to recycle is not well established. We have begun to use reusable bags, but sometimes forget to take them or buy when we didn't plan to buy. I prefer canvas just in case they get lost and end up in the landfill. Sooner or later they all wear out and have to go somewhere. We use grocery size paper bags as containers for other recyclables and drop them in the bin when full. Sometimes a surplus builds up and has to go into the bin without reuse before recycling. We use plastic bags (no choice some places) as trash can liners and avoid using trash bags for that. I do what I can, but still wish we didn't put so much in land fills. (Maybe we need to consume less overall.) For now, I'm looking into some fabric reusuables that fold into a small pack (size of man's wallet) so you can take one with you in pocket or purse even when you aren't planning to buy anything.

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  Posted by louisvillefreecyclelady Sat Mar 7, 2009 3:10pm PST

  I never read responses to these articles, because I get absolutely furious at the stupidity of many of my fellow Americans. Do you not realize that 90% of the "big" issues that we are facing as a country are inextricably linked to the use of natural resources? Why are we involved in the Middle East? Why would North Korea think to target Alaska? I think those who resort to classification and name calling should really reconsider the discussion of a "good car"--don't think you can name a good one from the US either (unless we still believe the world is the same place it was 30 years ago).

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