Paper Bags, Plastic Bags or Totes: What's Best for Groceries?
Briefly

With increasing regulations on single-use plastic bags, paper bags have gained popularity as an alternative. However, they also carry significant environmental implications. Production methods, transportation, and overall lifecycle all influence a bag's environmental footprint. Studies show that paper bags require more energy to produce than plastic bags, and one 2011 study indicated that a paper bag must be used three times to equal the environmental impact of a single-use plastic bag. Additionally, a 2018 study revealed that low-density polyethylene plastic bags have the smallest environmental footprint among various grocery bags.
Bagging groceries presents a complex dilemma, as paper and plastic each have distinct environmental impacts that necessitate careful consideration.
A paper bag must be reused three times to match the environmental footprint of a single-use plastic bag, highlighting the importance of reusability in bag choices.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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