Reusable Shopping Bags vs Paper or Plastic

By: TomJuly 31, 2024

Reusable Shopping Bags Vs Paper or Plastic

paper vs plastic vs reusable bags

Overview:

Paper or plastic? That used to be a common question customers were asked when checking out at the grocery store. It was a matter of personal preference and convenience. Little to no thought was given to the environmental consequences of either option. Occasionally, some folks would even ask for paper inside of plastic to provide extra stability for canned goods or produce. Oblivious to any negative environmental impact, this practice went on for generations. Recent times have seen a greater awareness and a swing in favor of paper over plastic bags. Yet, a growing debate has raised questions as to how eco-friendly either option really is. Many states including New York, California and Connecticut have already restricted or banned the use of certain disposable shopping bags. A nationwide effort to switch to reusable shopping bags could have major environmental impact. Yet, meaningful change will only occur when our conscious awareness turns into positive action. We'll discuss what's at stake...

Production & Environmental Impact of Paper Bags

large amounts of trees being harvested
*14 million trees are harvested annually for paper bag production 
The US market's production of paper bags is to say the least, taxing on our natural resources. Approximately 10 Billion paper bags a year are produced at the expense of millions of trees and countless billions of gallons of water. It is estimated that each paper bag produced uses one gallon of water to manufacture. Yet, the common perception is that paper bags are an eco-friendly alternative. It is true that paper bags are more biodegradable than plastic. When disposed of in a landfill decomposition is estimated to take place in as little as 4 - 6 weeks. But, this remains a rather optimistic estimate. Once buried below the surface, the lack of oxygen can significantly lengthen this time period. Another concern is that manufacturing paper actually creates more greenhouse gasses than plastic due to high amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. One study concluded that plastic grocery bags produce four times more greenhouse emissions than plastic bags. While paper bags can be recycled, this alone does not offset the environmental impact.

Production & Environmental Impact of Plastic Bags

sea turtle chasing plastic bag
*100,000 marine mammals die from plastic ingestion every year.
In the US, approximately 12 million barrels of oil are used each year to produce 30 billion plastic bags.  Such dependence on rapidly depleting fossil fuel is not sustainable.  But, manufacturers often boast about how much less water and energy it takes to produce plastic bags than paper bags. With good reason, some of these numbers reflect a startling difference. One study reported 1,500 plastic bags required 58 gallons of fresh water to produce. 1,000 Paper bags consume an eye popping 1,004 gallons. A larger number of plastic bags were considered to account for capacity per bag. Plastic bags also require 60% less energy to produce than paper bags. But, unlike paper, plastic bags are not biodegradable and can live in a landfill for long periods of time. The most generous estimates state that due to their light weight, decomposition can occur in as little as 10 to twenty years. However, varying conditions such as the amount of oxygen exposure can add years to this estimate. Plastic bags can also pose a threat to land animals and aquatic life. Plastic bags are often ingested by marine life and other animals mistaking them for food. These bags are either choked on or become lodged in their intestines, causing a slow painful death. Lastly, while recycling plastic bags is possible, it is a more difficult process than paper. Plastic bags can become entwined with the gears of recycling trucks necessitating frequent, time consuming maintenance. 

Production & Environmental Impact of Reusable Shopping Bags

reusable grocery bags
Reusable shopping bags can be made from a variety of natural and synthetic materials. Of course, natural materials are always an ideal environmentally friendly way to go. But, even synthetic reusable bags are a better option than the one time use disposable alternative. Depending on the type you purchase, a reusable bag can last for many years if regularly cleaned and cared for. Always pack meats, fish, poultry and produce in their own separate bags. For hygienic reasons, it's imperative you clean and sanitize all reusable shopping bags after every use. Avoid overloading bags as this will weaken materials and shorten life span. All reusable shopping bags must be used a minimal amount of times before their value exceeds the energy and recourses used to create them. This important breakeven point will vary depending on construction materials.  Regardless of the type you choose, you can make a difference by making the decision to switch to reusable shopping bags. Together, we can all help reduce greenhouse emissions, save water and protect wildlife. We'll delve into the various types you may wish to consider.

Hemp Reusable Bags

hemp crop growing tall on farm
*It takes approximately 200 uses to offset the environmental impact of producing Hemp reusable shopping bags.
      • Environmental Benefits:  Hemp tops the list of most sustainable, environmentally friendly fabrics. This fast growing plant flourishes with very little water and requires no insecticides or pesticides due to its own natural defense system. Natural hemp fibers are also biodegradable. 
      • Durability:  Hemp fibers are one of the strongest materials available and can last for many years. Some better quality bags even come with a lifetime warranty.
      • Care & Cleaning:  For hygienic reasons, it's important to keep your hemp shopping bags clean and sanitary. Proper maintenance requires regular hand or machine washing in cold or warm water with mild detergent. Hot water may shrink hemp fabric. Pay particular attention to inner and outer seams where dirt and residue from food particles collect. Repeated washing will soften the feel over time but this durable fabric will remain strong for years.
      • Cost:  Basic hemp canvas shopping bags start at under $10. But, heavier bags with more attractive designs can run as much as $30 - $40 for each bag. If your goal is simply to benefit the environment, not make a fashion statement, economy versions will work just fine!

Cotton Reusable Bags

cotton-growing-in-field
*It takes over 7,000 uses to offset the environmental impact of producing cotton reusable shopping bags.
      • Environmental Benefits:  Like hemp, cotton material is made of all natural fibers. it's biodegradable and certainly a greener option than bags made from fossil fuel. Yet, from an environmental standpoint, hemp is still the more eco-friendly alternative. Typically, cotton farmers use use pesticides and fertilizers to grow their crops. For those looking to make a more responsible purchase, we recommend shopping for bags made from organically grown cotton. Certifications like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) guarantee cotton was grown with no pesticides or insecticides or dangerous fertilizers. It also assures cotton was grown with more moderate water usage.  
      • Durability:  Cotton shopping bags are very strong and durable. Like hemp, they can last for many years with proper care. 
      • Care & Cleaning: Cotton shopping bags  should be cleaned regularly with warm (not hot) water with mild detergent. Be sure to use a soft cloth or sponge when scrubbing to avoid damaging the fabric. You can also spot clean by wetting stained area and applying detergent to specific area.  
      • Cost:  Basic organic cotton shopping bags can be found for under $5 a piece. You'll find higher for better quality or more fashionable bags. This makes them an exceptional value. 

Jute Reusable Bags

jute plants growing on a plantation
*It takes approximately 10 - 20 uses to offset the environmental impact of producing jute reusable shopping bags.
        • Environmental Benefits:   Jute is a subtropical plant grown primarily in South Asia.  Its long course fibers can be spun into durable threads for fabric production. Jute fabric, sometimes called burlap, is 100% biodegradable and can be recycled for purposes such as compost material.  Jute decomposes fast and can add valuable nutrients to surrounding soil. Like hemp, jute grows quickly with very little water and no fertilizers or pesticides. 
        • Durability:  Jute fibers are strong  and durable with a rather stiff consistency. This makes jute shopping bags ideal for carrying heavy products like canned goods or produce. With proper care, jute shopping bags can last for years.
        • Care & Cleaning: Gentle hand cleaning with a soft brush and mild detergent is recommended. Wash with warm but not hot water. Do not ring out jute fabric when wet. This process could damage the fabric. Ideally, jute should be allowed to dry on its own on a flat surface in a well ventilated room or outside.
        • Cost:  Jute Shopping bags start at around $5 per bag but prices go up for better quality or fashion featured bags.  This is inline with the cost of cotton and less expensive than hemp bags.

Synthetic Reusable Shopping Bags

  • Environmental Benefits:  Synthetic reusable shopping bags are typically made from nylon, polyester or polypropylene. These materials are all derived from fossil fuels and are NOT Biodegradable. That said, once they have outlived their usefulness, they can be taken to a local recycling center for further use. Reusable bags made from natural materials are always the greener option. But, even synthetic reusable shopping bags can significantly reduce waste over time..
  • Durability:  Synthetic reusable bags have an estimated lifespan of 2 - 5 years depending on the materials used. Nylon typically has the best wearability while polyester and polypropylene life cycle is closer to 2 years. Maximizing longevity of usage will also depend on proper care and maintenance of your bags. 
  • Care & Cleaning:  Synthetic reusable shopping bags should be hand washed with warm water and mild dish soap. Be sure to clean areas along seams where dirt and food particles can collect. Further sanitizing can be done by using a disinfectant wet wipe.
  • Cost:  One advantage of synthetic grocery/shopping bags is the relatively low cost.  Prices for simple poly of nylon reusable shopping bags start at under $1 each. Logos or other added design elements will add slightly to this price. Lower cost allows shoppers to quickly recoup their initial investment while reducing unnecessary waste.
  • *It takes approximately 40 uses to offset the environmental impact of producing synthetic reusable shopping bags.

Conclusion:

Both paper and plastic have their own baggage (pardon the pun) when it comes to environmental issues. Manufacturers of both products are quick to spin the narrative to a more favorable tone for their products. Yet, neither offers a perfect solution, paper bags pose less danger to wildlife but consume large amounts of water and emit far more greenhouse gas emissions than plastic. But, plastic bags use enormous amounts of fossil fuel and pose dangers to wildlife. While there is no national mandate regarding removing plastic disposable bags from stores, individual states already have bans in place. Our take here is that neither of these options offer the best long term alternative. Making a negligible reduction of our carbon footprint will require a larger commitment than simply choosing paper or plastic. Daily use and proper care for of reusable shopping bags involves choosing our environment over the convenience of disposable bags. But, working together, we can reduce our carbon footprint and create a greener, more eco-friendly world.
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