Paper or plastic?

Question

Witch is better. I know both sides of the story but i need it for school.

Answer 1

Paper or Plastic?
(Either is good if reused)
In 1980, many supermarkets switched from using paper bags to plastic since the plastic (polyethylene) bags are less expensive. Because many customers complained, grocery stores now give a choice between paper and plastic. Some shoppers choose paper assuming it is an environmentally better alternative. But is this the case?

In a comparison of the two types of grocery bags, Franklin Associates* concluded that the manufacture of plastic bags produced considerably less air pollution, water borne wastes, and industrial solid-waste than the manufacture of paper. Because plastic bags are lighter, they also produce less post-consumer solid waste, taking up less space in landfills. Researchers found that plastic sacks have these advantages even when grocery store clerks pack less in each bag, thereby using 1.5 or 2 times as many plastic bags to pack the same groceries as paper.

Energy-wise, it is a tie. Plastic bags required slightly less energy to manufacture at a use rate of 1.5 to 1 compared with paper and more energy at a use rate of 2 to 1. Paper bags are better because they are made from wood, a renewable resource, while plastic bags are made from petroleum. Also paper grocery bags are recycled at a higher rate and are reused more frequently, since many home kitchen trash containers are designed with paper grocery bags in mind.

In the end, it is a toss-up whether paper or plastic grocery bags are better for the environment. The important thing is to reuse paper and plastic bags over and over. Best still is to bring your own cloth bags or ask store clerks to hand you easily transportable items without bags.

* Brower, Michael & Leon, Warren (1999) The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices - Practical Advice from the Union of Concerned Scientists, Three Rivers Press, New York, p. 132-133.

Answer 2

Paper help insulate cold items but the bottom can tear out if bagged to heavy and plastic can rip also.

So I would say a combination of both depending on how far you live from a grocery store and how far you have to carry your groceries.

Both products are recycleable so just make sure you go BLUE!

Answer 3

o_O it fairly is kinda a wierd Q for me =_= a million.) once you flow procuring: Paper or plastic luggage? >> I carry all my crap reason many times i've got not got the money for to purchase somewhat some it =D 2.) Paper or plastic? (as in money vs. card) >> Neither TT_TT..... I p.c.. extraordinary steel like substance!! merely reason i do no longer very own a card and reason i'm so broke that i do no longer also have a greenback bill perfect now -______-'' 3.) BLEACH nook: What the heck is that this? >> OMFG... i do no longer many times watch the openings and endings that nicely yet i comprehend that that's no longer perfect!!! in any respect!!! UGH!! Scarred for existence back!!! what number circumstances can this ensue to 3 one my age?? T_T

Answer 4

Plastic is good for being able to save and reuse them. They are also easier to carry, especially if you want to carry more than one at a time.

But paper is better for the environment, because it is biodegradable. It is also useful for things like wrapping broken glass for the garbage, etc.

I♥♫→mia☼☺†

Answer 5

I think plastic, if recycled correctly. Depends too, on what your speaking of. Soap containers can be recycled many times because they are thick.

Paper doesn't have alot of recyclable turns, but they do farm trees for this purpose.

Answer 6

I like plastic, paper tears, but plastic sucks for the environment

Answer 7

Paper = Trees
Plastic = Oil
Take your pick

Answer 8

Paper, except a couple bags a week to put kitty litter in(the bags tie up nice and tight!)

Answer 9

I prefer plastic. You can hold a number of bags at one time- they are stronger for heavier items- and they are still recycled.

Answer 10

Paper--an easily renewable product, biodegradable and cheap to recycle