Come on, people, let’s put an end to the argument about whether or not paper bags are better than plastic ones. This initiative is motivated by individuals whose general knowledge about the ‘eco-friendly trend’ of utilizing paper bags failed to convince. And what do you think? They should naturally be sceptical about it, and with good cause. As their name implies, paper bags are crafted from paper, the basic ingredients for which are obtained by cutting down trees, right? Using paper bags instead of plastic ones seems like a waste of resources since the two options contribute similarly to environmental degradation. Why stated satirically, would anyone opt for breathing dirty air when microplastics are present in their food and water? This argument is very sensible and logical, but it also contains a small amount of false information. Therefore, a compromise is crucial for both investigating the factors that contribute to decision to buy brown paper bags, it’s use and increasing the latter’s popularity.
- The fact that it’s environmentally friendly comes as a shock to everyone –
The first and most obvious reason is that paper bags are better for the environment than plastic bags because they are made from renewable resources. A sigh of relief? For those curious, here’s the rundown.
People’s scepticism regarding the development of paper bags has always worked to the advantage of plastic bags. The long-held misconception that paper bags cause forest destruction is constantly reinforced. However, in all candour, it has been some time since tree harvesting for paper production was outlawed. Because keeping up with the rapid speed of technological change while keeping prices low is crucial, and not just because such production methods cannot last indefinitely. Sources have grown more environmentally friendly as a result of the widespread availability of new, sustainable, cutting-edge, and inexpensive methods of paper production made possible by technological advances. Materials that can be utilized to make high-quality paper bags include wheat straw, sugar industry waste, animal waste, and recycled paper.
- Paper bags are back in style since they are eco-friendly and hip –
Lifestyles that minimize their impact on the environment are quickly becoming the norm in mainstream society. Everyone everywhere is jumping on the bandwagon and switching to more environmentally friendly practices, adopting energy-efficient home appliances, driving zero-emission vehicles, and switching from plastic to taking decision to buy paper bags online. Furthermore, it is reasonable to assume that this is the end outcome of the concerted efforts of environmentalists, activists, governments, and the general public to recognize and respond to climate change. For this reason, paper bags are a welcome addition to the squad.
- Toss out those plastic bags and replace them with paper ones –
The fact that plastic is poisonous is central to the argument against using plastic bags. Toxic fossil fuels are refined through various top-secret processes to create plastic bags, which are then used to transport the dangerous end product to retail outlets. As soon as they are used, plastic bags are at risk of releasing a known carcinogen called “Bisphenol A” into the environment or breaking into tiny pieces that can get past their immune systems and into their bodies. In light of the research, it’s best to avoid using plastics at all costs, including for the storage of food.
- Paper bags do not contribute to marine debris –
As trash, plastic bags eventually end up in the ocean, where they represent a serious threat to marine life. An estimated 5.26 trillion pieces of plastic are floating around in the world’s waterways right now. Huge quantities of plastic bags in the seas release cancer-causing chemicals, decompose into microplastic that can enter marine species’ digestive systems, and physically suffocate them. The oceans and the marine life they support aren’t the only ones under attack, though. Waste plastic bags pollute the ground and eventually end up in their drinking water. Plastic bags are a major health risk for marine life and land-based wildlife.
- Biodegradability is an additional advantage of paper bags –
That it will naturally disintegrate and return to the earth after being discarded. The ubiquitous plastic bags that have been accumulating on land and in the ocean for eons are nothing like this.
- The Great Urban Garbage Problem can be solved with paper bags –
To combat the global problem of urban garbage, to buy disposable coffee cups and paper bags are now the only viable option. Today’s most pressing problems can be boiled down to one word: trash. This includes everything from used pen bodies to damaged electronics. And, not surprisingly, plastic bags are the single biggest source of trash in cities. The massive urban waste disposal problem can be contained if paper bags are used instead of plastic bags.
- You may reuse and recycle paper bags –
Paper bags are a wonderful model of recycling and reuse in addition to being biodegradable. That’s right, paper bags may be recycled indefinitely and reused as many times as you choose. However, plastic bags still emit very harmful pollutants even after being recycled. Therefore, these plastic bags are harmful to the earth and all its inhabitants in every way.
- There are no emissions from paper bags –
Certainly, paper bags don’t release any harmful gases into the atmosphere, but that’s beside the point. Then, what exactly do they mean when they say that paper bags are “emission-free?” Paper bags have few mechanical and transportation needs. This is because most of the recycled paper pulp used to make these bags is produced in nearby factories, reducing the need for extensive transit. As a result, there are fewer emissions of carbon dioxide. While paper bags are coming out cleaner and greener, it’s important to note that for all new reason plastic bags are proven to be more toxic, paper bags are coming out cleaner and greener. More and more compelling arguments may be made for switching to paper bags from plastic ones.
- Conclusion –
Paper bags are durable, roomy, and on-trend. They’re stronger and more resilient in the face of pressure and weight than ordinary plastic bags. Because of its one-of-a-kind construction—including gussets in the paper bags, and a flat base—they offer ample storage space. Furthermore, they are trendy. It stands to reason that the world’s leading fashion houses would give their consumers paper bags.
