i went in a shop in my city the other day and there was this advertisement in the shop window plastic bags 10p each or you can have a paper one for free, i watched and nearly all the people that came out of the shop had a plastic one ( that they paid 10p for ), why? when they could have had a paper one for free.i would have had a paper one for freewhat would you have had? and why
I think we should use Brown paper carrier bags because they are 100% reusable and recyclable. There are many companies like carrierbagsforsale who make paper bag for Sale in all over United Kingdom. They can be produced with a twisted paper handle.
i am just as surprised as you are that people would pay extra for the plastic bags! that seems ridiculous. it's beyond me why a plastic bag is so important to some people- but from an environmental perspective, one is not really any better than the other when you're talkin paper vs. plastic. paper comes from trees, and although you can recycle paper bags, they can't be recycled indefinitely. plus, think of all the energy it takes not only to manufacture them but to recycle them. plastic bags are just as bad- plastic shopping bags is one of the leading sources of pollution in the WORLD. plastic that is manufactured never ever goes away, and the more we make plastic, the more harm we're doing. i can go on about all the damage plastic bags are doing... the bottom line is that it is best to avoid both types! if you have a few things, try tossing them in your purse- if you carry one- or use your hands and carry them! durable, reusable bags are best by a longshot. there are even durable bags these days that are fold up into a tiny little pouch so you can carry it with you all the time. (chico bags!) if you absolutely MUST get a plastic/paper bag, reuse for as long as you can!!
There is a lot to be said for those wonderful little handles. I re-use my plastic shoppng bags until they are in shreds.Plus, paper comes from trees, and haven't we cut enough of those down to last a lifetime? I purchased fabric bags from my grocer and love them---I get handles to use and everything. That is another option that is available nation-wide.
They usually do not give a person a choice; some times the grocery stores will ask, Paper or plastic. Either can be recycled. Or, stores can allow people to bring their own tote bags, as was the case when I was stationed in Germany.
I think that the plastic bags are easier to carry is you're buying alot of groceries and they come in handy at home for trash can liners, doggy pick ups, etc. You can't really do much (that I'm aware of) with the paper bags from your grocer. It seems to be more of a waste using the paper. As for me, I prefer the reusable cloth bags.
