The ongoing battle between paper bags and plastic bags has been a subject of debate for a long time. Recent movements to ban and tax plastic bags in favor of paper bags suggest that paper is currently winning the race. However, to fully understand the environmental impact of both options, it is important to examine them closely, starting from their manufacturing process and ending with their disposal.
Manufacturing:
In terms of manufacturing, plastic bags have the advantage over paper bags. Producing paper bags requires a high amount of energy, approximately four times more than plastic bags. It involves cutting trees, energy-intensive pulping processes, and the use of toxic chemicals harmful to the environment. On the other hand, manufacturing plastic bags results in fewer carbon emissions, wastes, and harmful byproducts, despite the use of petroleum. paper bag printing
Transportation:
Plastic bags also outperform paper bags in terms of transportation. Paper bags are much heavier, weighing five to seven times more than plastic bags. This weight difference necessitates more trucks to transport the same quantity of bags, leading to increased air pollution caused by transporting paper bags.
Usage:
When it comes to actual bag usage, reusability plays a significant role in determining the environmental impact. Plastic bags have a slight advantage here since they are more durable and resistant to tearing and water damage. Studies have shown that to offset their environmental impact, paper bags must be reused at least three times compared to plastic bags. However, paper bags can be repurposed for arts and crafts and are available in specialized types that enhance their durability and functionality.
Types of Paper Bags:
Paper bags come in various forms, with different specialties and biodegradability. For example, SOS bags are resistant to liquids and are commonly used for food takeaways. Flat bags are multipurpose and can carry a range of items, from fruits to books. Shopping bags cater to fashion and lifestyle brands, while bakery bags with glassine and wax paper linings preserve the freshness of perishable goods. Scotchban bags are greaseproof and prevent leakage of greasy foods.
Disposal:
The disposal of paper bags is significantly better than that of plastic bags. Paper bags are easier to recycle, biodegradable, and degrade much faster than plastic when littered. On the other hand, plastic bags cause significant environmental damage when improperly disposed of. They take hundreds of years to degrade and can harm marine animals and their habitats if they end up in the ocean. The proliferation of microplastics from broken-down plastic bags poses unknown but potentially harmful effects on the environment, from marine life to farmland and even the air we breathe.
Which Option is Better?
Both plastic and paper bags have their advantages and disadvantages. Plastic bags excel in manufacturing and transportation but fall short in terms of disposal. Paper bags, on the other hand, perform better when used, reused, and recycled. However, the ultimate impact on the environment depends on how consumers handle either bag. Reusing, repurposing, and recycling bags are crucial for minimizing their environmental footprint.
Therefore, regardless of the bag chosen, adopting practices that promote reuse, repurposing, and recycling will contribute to a more environmentally friendly option.