Americans go through hundreds of billions of plastic bags each year. In an effort to curb the number of bags being used once and then thrown away, cities around the world have instituted bans or taxes on plastic bags. But are paper or reusable bags much better for the environment? Science shows that there is not a clear answer.

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Plastic Bags

A major advantage of plastic bags is that, when compared to other types of shopping bags, producing them carries the lowest environmental toll. The thin, plastic grocery store bags are most commonly made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Although production of these bags does use resources like petroleum, it results in less carbon emissions, waste, and harmful byproducts than cotton or paper bag production. Plastic bags are also relatively sturdy and reusable. Many of the studies about different bagging options that show plastic bags production demands less resources assume plastic bags are used at least twice&#;once coming home and once as a trash bag&#;and factor this into the calculations about which bags are more sustainable.

Plastic bags are recyclable, though few people recycle them. Recycling plastic bags is a difficult task; they fly away in the recycling plant and get stuck in machinery. Because of this, many cities do not offer curbside recycling for plastic bags. Instead, large-scale retailers offer bag recycling services. However these services are dependent on the consumer bringing the plastic bags back to the store.

Bags that are not recycled end up becoming litter, because they do not biodegrade. In addition to filling up landfills and becoming eyesores, plastic bags that become litter endanger many facets of the environment, including marine life and the food chain. This is because plastic bags, like all plastic materials, eventually break up into microscopic pieces, which scientists refer to as microplastics. Microplastics have been found nearly everywhere: in marine animals, farmland soil, and urban air.

Though scientists have only just begun studying the consequences of microplastic proliferation, and we do not yet know their effect on animals, humans, and the environment, scientists are concerned about how this level of plastic pollution could change our planet. The studies that found plastic bags to be less harmful to the environment than paper and reusable bags did not take effects of litter into account and instead assumed that the plastic bags would be recycled or used as trash bags.

Paper Bags

Paper bags have some advantages over plastic bags when it comes to sustainability. They are easier to recycle, and, because they are biodegradable, they can be used for purposes like composting. However, paper is very resource-heavy to produce: Manufacturing a paper bag takes about four times as much energy as it takes to produce a plastic bag, plus the chemicals and fertilizers used in producing paper bags create additional harm to the environment.

Studies have shown that, for a paper bag to neutralize its environmental impact compared to plastic, it would have to be used anywhere from three to 43 times. Since paper bags are the least durable of all the bagging options, it is unlikely that a person would get enough use out of any one bag to even out the environmental impact.

Still, the fact that paper is recyclable helps lessen its impact. In , 68.1 percent of paper consumed in the United States was recovered for recycling, a percentage that has been rising in the last decade. However, because paper fibers become shorter and weaker each time the recycling process takes place, there is a limit to how many times paper can be recycled.

Reusable Bags

Reusable bags are made from many different materials, and the environmental impact of producing those materials varies widely. One study from the United Kingdom (U.K.) found that, regarding bag production, cotton bags have to be reused 131 times before they reduce their impact on climate change to the same extent as plastic bags. To have a comparable environmental footprint (which encompasses climate change as well as other environmental effects) to plastic bags, a cotton bag potentially has to be used thousands of times. Materials other than cotton, however, perform much better in sustainability metrics. Nonwoven polypropylene (PP) is another popular option. Made from a more durable kind of plastic, these bags need to be reused around eleven times to break even with the impact of conventional plastic.

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In addition to varying widely in their eco-friendliness, there is the chance that reusable bags go unused, because consumers have to remember to bring the bags with them to the store. The biggest positive of reusable bags is that their use cuts down on the amount of litter on land and in the ocean. Studies have found that bans on plastic bags in cities in the United States and Europe have decreased the amount of plastic litter in nearby waters.

Things to Consider

Because reusable and paper bags have a huge environmental cost upfront, and plastic bags create greater negative effects after being used, it is hard to determine which type of bag is truly the most sustainable. Regardless of whether the bag is plastic, paper, or another material, the most sustainable choice is the bag you already have. In every study and for every type of bag, it was clear that reusing the bag as many times as you can reduces its impact on the environment. Overall, making the effort to reuse any bag that comes into your possession, and disposing of the bag responsibly, is key.

Pros & Cons of Paper Bags

When looking at purchasing paper bags, it is important to look at the pros and cons of these bags. After all, this is a business decision. So it is smart to consider all aspects. Here are the pros and cons of using these bags.

Pros of Using Paper Bags

• Reusable and 100% biodegradable, which makes them safe for recycling.
• Most can withstand more pressure/weight than their plastic counterparts.
• When left around the house, they present less of a suffocation risk to young children or animals.

So these are pretty straightforward benefits when it comes to using paper bags. We have a great selection of paper shopping bags. Please check them out! See what we have in stock. Our selection of paper bags are perfect for all sorts of retailers.

Cons of Using Paper Bags

• Not waterproof. So in the rain they become less reliable.
• More expensive than using plastic bags.
• Paper bags take up more storage space than plastic bags.
• Considerably heavier than plastic bags.
  

As expected, there are some notable cons when using paper bags. So it depends on exactly how you want this done. New York State has mandated the use of paper bags at many stores and retail outlets. And for those wanting to use plastic bags comes a tax. We do have a selection of plastic bags for sale for those who still need them. Plastic bags are becoming more obsolete, since they are not recyclable and bad for the environment.

Great Selection of Paper Bags

As you can see, there are both benefits and drawbacks to using paper bags. When choosing bags for your business or retail outlet, it is important to have enough knowledge and make an educated choice on the best bag type for you. For those looking for a classic feel and look, then paper bags are the way to go. They are a great choice for restaurants, schools, grocery stores, delis, supermarkets and catering companies.

We have a great selection of paper bags, which includes the following:

When you choose the bag that works for you, you can take advantage of our wholesale shipping options.

Contact Us Today

For more information about our wholesale bags for sale, please contact us today. We will happily answer any questions or concerns you may have about our wholesale bags. Check out our selection of shopping bags to see what catches your eye!

Our Paper Shopping Bags

You can also give our office a call by dialing 718-589-. When you call, we can discuss our various pricing options available to you. We can also discuss our retail store supplies, since we offer many great products. Perfect for all types of retailers. Stock up today!

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