Paper or plastic?

[The Heretic]

Do you ask for paper or plastic grocery bags?

Why?

I ask for paper because it is mostly recycled paper and made from a replenishable (trees) whereas plastic is made from petrochemicals, because I use them for garbage and the paper will degrade faster than the plastic (newer plastic bags are supposed to degrade eventually - in a few years), and because the bags have more form than the plastic bags and therefore are easier to handle (they don't typically spill groceries when set down).

 

[marksgirl]

Paper. Because you can get more in them and it means fewer trips back and forth from the car to bring them in the house.

 

[Cheyenne]

Paper. I use them for the newspapers and magazines that I recycle each week.

 

[Epiphany]

I ask for plastic, well, actually, the just automatically use plastic where I shop. BUTT...I do take them back on my next trip and put them in the recycle bin.

I like the plastic because they are easier for me to carry...and since I live alone, and have no one to help me bring groceries upstairs, I can sort of hook them up my arms and carry it all up at once rather than making two or three trips.

Damn...I'm lazy!

 

[superlittlegirl]

Plastic, because I use them to scoop my kitty's litter into.

 

[Gil_Favor]

The little grocery that I frequent doesnt offer paper anymore, its plastic or plastic.

 

[Weird Harold]

I shop at a store where you bag your own groceries -- they provide plastic unless you specifically ask for paper, and they happen to have some paper bags to give you.

I generally use a mix of plastic and paper. Paper for 2 liter soda bottles and gallon milk jugs or large heavy items. Plastic for most of the rest.

 

[tyme]

I get plastic and we use them from smelly diapers, we also get any from friends. (when you have 2 kids in them you need alot) Need I say more.

 

[SpiceCake]

I kind of alternate. I reuse the plastice bags for trash can liners and such at home. I use the paper bags for arts and crafts, etc. I have a problem with either one because they are both using resources that are not unlimited (trees, landfills, etc). I just try to reuse as much as I can.

 

[red_rose]

Plastic, because I use them to scoop my kitty's litter into.

Me, too.

And I use them as trash bags in my bathroom...and sometimes I use them to bring lunch to work.

I can't reuse brown bags as easily!

 

[The Heretic]

I I have a problem with either one because they are both using resources that are not unlimited (trees, landfills, etc).

Actually, trees are in essence "unlimited" and replenishable; they grow using solar power, hold soil together, typically don't deplete the soil (if allowed to recycle) and when cut down a new tree can be grown again in the same area.

The trees used for paper (especially brown paper bags) usually do not come from old growth firs or redwoods, but rather usually come from "junk" trees or from trees grown on farms (those cottonwood hybrids you see grown on farms in rows that go from seedling to fully grown tree in 7-10 years) - so I don't have a problem with the source of paper bags (most use at least 50% recycled material) whereas plastic typically comes from petrochemicals which cannot be replenished once used.

I also have a problem with the fact that even the newer plastic bags that are degradeable are very unsightly until they do degrade. A paper bag may last for a few days (especially if wet) to weeks in the open, they are usually brown and blend in well, whereas white plastic bags get blown around, get caught on fences and bushes and takes months to years to degrade (if they ever do) - not to mention what they do to wildlife that get tangled up in them.

 

[SpiceCake]

Actually, trees are in essence "unlimited" and replenishable; they grow using solar power, hold soil together, typically don't deplete the soil (if allowed to recycle) and when cut down a new tree can be grown again in the same area.

The trees used for paper (especially brown paper bags) usually do not come from old growth firs or redwoods, but rather usually come from "junk" trees or from trees grown on farms (those cottonwood hybrids you see grown on farms in rows that go from seedling to fully grown tree in 7-10 years) - so I don't have a problem with the source of paper bags (most use at least 50% recycled material) whereas plastic typically comes from petrochemicals which cannot be replenished once used.

I am aware of the tree farms and I think it's a great idea, however it takes water to grow trees and we are ina drought here and so water is valuable and precious. Many folks here are using run-off water to grow these tree farms and I like to see that. (I know, water is another issue.)

Thanks!

 

[Guest]