Many people understand the benefits of using reusable bags in terms of the "end-life" of plastic and paper. Reusable bags prevent the litter and landfill use that plastic and paper bags are really bad about. Another facet of the reusable bag picture is the production. Over their life, reusable bags consume far, far less energy than single-use bags. Plastic bags consume less energy and water than paper, but neither is a viable alternative to reusable bags.
Paper bags require nearly 3.5 times as much energy to produce than plastic bags. Further, due to their heavier weight, it is estimated that they consume about 50% more fossil fuels during their transport and use. The difference in water usage is even more eye-opening. Over 1,000 gallons of water are used in the life cycle of a paper bag compared to 58 gallons for the equivalent number/carrying capacity. Thus, when looking at energy and water use, paper bags fall short to plastic bags across the board. Neither is a better alternative than reusable shopping bags, though.
Compostable and/or biodegradable bags are available in some places and many people see them as viable alternatives. Although they are better at the end of their life, they are much more energy intensive during their production. Compostable plastic requires nearly 3 times as much energy to produce when compared to regular plastic bags. They also use more water.
Although they are more energy efficient than paper and compostable plastic, they all unnecessarily use energy, water, and fossil fuels that can be conserved by switching to reusable bags. It only takes 11 uses of a reusable bag to "break even" with energy consumption, and any use after that is like playing with house money.
David Kraft is a freelance author that writes about a variety of subjects. He supports eco-friendly living and green products such as reusable shopping bags
For more information about eco-friendly living, visit his reusable bags site.
Stair Building Books
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