What Happened to the Old-Fashioned Paper Bag?

Has anyone noticed how grocery stores, supermarkets, and fast-foods are now using non-biodegradable containers and bags these days? There was a time when everybody used paper bags. Then, there was less trash to throw out and paper bags also had the appeal of being useful as wrappers, compared to plastic bags and Styrofoam containers that are usually ended up in the waste bin after having served their purpose as containers of commodities.

While useful, non-biodegradable plastic bags and Styrofoam containers only add to the tons of waste sent to landfills everyday, and we all know that landfills have limited capacities. In many countries, particularly those that do not have the advanced technology collection and recycling facilities, some plastics and Styrofoam tend to stay in the environment for quite a long time - give or take a thousand years - creating environmental eyesores, chemical byproducts, and plenty of rubbish that do harm to both plant and animal life.

Paper bags, although arguably also damaging to the environment due to the source of the material, can be brought back to being popular for the simple reason that they produce less impact on the environment and are in fact environment-friendly for the most part. Bringing them back into the public consciousness will solve a big part of the problem of having to deal with waste material that's not recycled. The fibers for the paper can also be sourced from tree farms or farm plant fibers (like from corn and other grains) that are both easy harvested and are sustainable. This way, old-growth forests aren't affected. It's just a suggestion that has widespread effects on businesses, but it's really high time to get the old-fashioned paper bag back.



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Say No to Paper or Plastic- Go Green!

by Suzanne Macguire

Environmental degradation is one of the greatest causes of concern spearing up its head these days. A little cooperation on our part can work wonders to save the environment. Cooperation can begin at individual level by ensuring that the articles of daily use are environmental-friendly. Research suggests that almost 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed and discarded annually worldwide! This is alarming indeed as plastic bags are not biodegradable- they break up into smaller toxic particles, contaminating both soil and water. So the next time the clerk at your favorite grocery store asks whether you prefer paper or plastic, give an environmental-friendly answer by choosing "neither".

People, in general, are under the misconception that paper bags are better than the plastic ones. But this alternative carries its own set of environmental problems. According to the American Forest and Paper Association, in 1999 the U.S. alone used 10 billion paper grocery bags- which adds up to a lot of trees! This is no good news for environmental activists who promote afforestation and tree-saving tactics.

The solution to this problem lies in the use of high quality reusable bags, emitting no residue to harm the environment during its production and can be easily reused. These bags are usually comprised of 80% post-consumer waste. Reusable grocery bags have a washable surface and are more spacious. Fashion conscious people can also take their pick of the wide range of eco-friendly bags available in soft and natural hues. These bags use natural fibers, which consume less energy during the production process. For instance, corn-based bags break down in landfills or composters in four to twelve weeks. This way the environment is kept safe of the disastrous hazards of plastic bags.

A number of eco-friendly companies have now come up with unique reusable bags- thereby acting as tools for increasing popular awareness for saving the environment from artificial hazards. These ethical alternatives can thus be a life-saving effort, not just for a few but for the multitude!

About the Author

Suzanne Macguire is an expert writer and an environmental activist, promoting the use of reusable shopping bags.

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