Which is more environmentally friendly: paper or plastic?
As you wrap up your weekly grocery shopping and get in line at the supermarket, it’s time for yet another difficult choice. The cashier mechanically spouts at you, “Paper or plastic?” referring to what kind of bag you’d prefer. For some people, it’s a stressful decision. Convenience is pulling you toward plastic, but a nagging green conscience might automatically pull you toward paper. However, it’s raining, and if your paper bags break, it could ruin your purchases. On the other hand, is it selfish to put immediate convenience over the thousands of years it might take for a plastic bag to degrade in a landfill? But, what a minute — aren’t we encouraged to save the trees and avoid overusing paper? Consumer consciences aren’t the only ones plagued by the “paper or plastic” question. Grocery stores pay less for plastic bags but get pressure from environmental groups to stop offering them. So, retailers and even entire cities are
