Paper or plastic? It’s the age-old question we’ve all asked ourselves at the grocery store. And for a good reason! With the plastic bag ban in various big countries, it is time to start thinking about alternatives that will benefit the environment. Paper bags have been part of our history for a long time and will continue to be a part of our everyday lives. However, here are the pros and cons of plastic bags that you should and can contribute to your decision.
The Pros of Using Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are more durable.
Even though they are lightweight, plastic bags don’t tear as easily and can hold more weight. Unlike paper bags, plastic bags are waterproof, so you can use them to carry wet items. You can reuse plastic bags many times, which helps to reduce waste.
Plastic bags use less energy and resources to make.
Compared to paper, plastic requires fewer resources to create and less energy to produce. Plastic bags are made from petroleum, which are readily available and relatively inexpensive. On the other hand, paper bags are made from trees, which must be harvested, transported, and processed into paper. This requires significantly more energy and resources. In addition, plastic bags can be reused multiple times and last for years if taken care of properly.
Plastic bags are more versatile.
Plastic bag has more uses than paper bags. You can use them for storage, garbage bags, or makeshift lunch bags. Plus, they’re more durable, so that you can reuse them multiple times. And if you’re looking for a more sustainable option, there are now reusable plastic bags made from recycled materials.
Plastic bags are much cheaper.
Plastic bags are much cheaper than paper bags and are also more durable. That’s why many stores use them for customers’ purchases. However, plastic bags are not biodegradable, so that they can create environmental problems. Some cities have banned or taxed the use of plastic bags to try to reduce their impact.
Plastic bags are a great promotional tool.
A Plastic bag is a great promotional tool for businesses, just like a coloured paper bag. They are inexpensive to purchase in bulk and can be customized with a logo and contact information. Plastic bags are also durable and can be reused multiple times, which helps to increase brand awareness.
The Cons of Using Plastic Bags
They’re often made from petroleum.
Plastic bags are made from a non-renewable resource, like petroleum. Plastic bags might be convenient, but they don’t have a great impact on the environment. Because they aren’t biodegradable or recyclable, plastic bags stay around for many years and often harm animals and other organisms.
They’re bad for the environment.
Plastic bags are bad for the environment. They are made from non-renewable resources. They also take centuries to decompose, which means they’ll clog up landfills for years. Many types of packaging, like plastic, are not easily recyclable. They can also end up in landfills, where they can take decades to decompose.
They can be harmful to animals.
Plastic bags are one of the most significant sources of marine litter and pose a huge threat to our marine life. Garbage bags that find their way into the sea are thought to kill over 100,000 animals each year. These bags can injure, choke, and entangle them. Even plastic bags that do not end up causing harm to wildlife can cause problems for themselves. The toxic chemicals that are found in these bags can leach into the water and contaminate the rest of the food chain. So, these animals expose themselves to danger in their natural habitat.
Now that you know the upsides and downsides of using plastic bags, here are the pros and cons of paper bags to consider.
Top Reasons Why You Should Pick Paper Bags
Paper bags are better for the environment and your wallet.
While paper bags may cost a bit more upfront, they are the better choice for the environment and your wallet in the long run. Paper bags are more durable and reusable than plastic bags, meaning you won’t have to keep buying new bags as often. They are also biodegradable, so they won’t end up in landfills as plastic bags will. In addition, paper bags are often made from recycled materials, so they have a smaller carbon footprint than plastic bags.
They are 100% recyclable.
When it comes to paper or plastic, paper bags are the better choice. They are 100% recyclable, which means you can reuse them repeatedly. Plus, paper bags are made from renewable resources, so they are a more sustainable option than plastic bags.
Paper bags are strong and durable.
Paper bags are more durable than some of you might think. China’s paper bag manufacturer produces paper bags made from kraft paper, which is more than three times as thick as a normal paper bag. Paper bags are designed to withstand heavy loads, like the ones used to carry groceries.
They decompose naturally
Paper bags are the better choice when it comes to decomposing naturally. Paper bags, like trees, are made from renewable resources and can be recycled into new paper products. Also, if paper ends up in the ocean, it only takes seconds before it starts breaking down into tiny pieces that fish and other animals can easily ingest.
You must also know the downsides of using paper bags before making a decision.
The downsides of using paper bags
While paper bags are the better choice for the environment, life span, and cost-wise, there are a few downsides to consider.
They are not as durable as plastic bags.
This is because paper is a natural material and is more susceptible to tearing and breaking. Plastic, on the other hand, is a synthetic material that is much more resistant to wear and tear. Therefore, plastic is the better choice if you are looking for a bag that will last longer.
They require more energy and resources.
Paper bags are manufactured from trees, which are cut down. The paper then needs to be bleached and processed, which requires a lot of energy and water, and emits a large amount of air pollution and water pollution. If they are not recycled, they end up in landfills, decomposing and releasing methane – a powerful greenhouse gas.
They take up a lot of space.
Paper bags take up a lot of space, which can be problematic when storing them. Recycling can also be difficult since they often have to be sent to special facilities.
The Takeaway
After reading this article, I hope you will better understand the pros and cons of paper and plastic bags. While there are some benefits to using paper bags, such as the fact that they are biodegradable, there are also some disadvantages, such as the fact that they cost more to produce. Plastic bags have their own set of pros and cons, such as the fact that they are cheaper to produce but are non-biodegradable. In the end, it all depends on the individual.