New Info on the Paper vs. Plastic Debate
Posted
Friday, April 11, 2008 4:33 PM
Whether to ask for a paper or plastic bag at the grocery store check out is one of the most widely discussed every day green issues. Although when the environmental impact of both types of bags is measured in depth, studies seem to conclude that paper is actually a bigger offender than plastic, some cities are moving to outlaw plastic bags entirely (in large part because of the damage they do when they wind up in the ocean, as tons of them do).
Of course, the eco option is to bring your own bag, but even the most earnest environmentalists among us forget sometimes.
But this blog post from the Terrapass website casts the whole issue in a new light. (Terrapass is one of those companies you can buy carbon offsets from, so if you drive a big old SUV around you can prevent nasty looks from Prius drivers by slapping a Terrapass bumper sticker on the back of it.) The writer points out that the whole paper vs. plastic debate is silly, because the food you put in your shopping bags has way more of an environmental impact than the bag itself. Fresh, locally grown food is gentler on the planet than stuff that’s processed/packaged/shipped from far away, and plant-based foods generally have a smaller carbon footprint than meat and dairy. Yes, you knew that already, but it’s interesting to think about it in light of how much more important your food choices are than the type of bag you bring them home in.
Btw, if you live in New York, Chicago or Seattle you might want to check out one of the green festivals that are coming your way: The Go Green Expo comes to New York City April 26th and 27th, and the Green Festival is happening in Seattle this weekend (April 12th and 13th) and will hit Chicago May 17th and 18th. I haven’t been to one of these events yet, but they sound like great places to find out about eco-friendly products and services in your area, as well as to hear cool speakers. I wish I could go to one of them, but am pretty tied to home right now.
One green-oriented event I will make it to is “Motherhood Begins Now,” which will bring pregnant women and new moms together with experts on healthy parenting. It’s co-sponsored by some cool brands like Seventh Generation and Plum Organics baby food and takes place in LA on May 1st.