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Why Use & Re-Use?
Paper Bags Are Not a Better Choice. For a long time, paper bags have been considered a more environmental alternative. However, consider their whole life cycle and you find a different story. Yes, paper bags are made from a renewable source and they are biodegradable. But look at paper bag manufacturing, usage, and even disposal problems,
and you will see why they are not a better choice.
Life Cycle
Birth: Compared to plastic, making a paper bag emits 70% more global warming gasses, creates 50 times more water pollution, uses 4 times more raw materials, and consumes 3.5 times more energy. Life: Once used, paper bags are unlikely to be re-used. They tear easily and are made for one time usage. Death: Eighty percent of all paper bags end up in landfills. There, they do not biodegrade because of a lack of oxygen. They also cost more to landfill because they take up much more space by weight and volume than plastic bags do.
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