Paper Carrier Bags
In the UK many supermarkets and stores are declining to offer carrier bags to their customers free of charge at the checkouts. The idea being of course to encourage people to re-use their plastic bags, but some stores are also moving to paper carrier bags.
The theme here is the replacement between plastic bags and paper ones. Here is where we wonder if it is a really environmentally friendly new idea.
Because paper is perceived as being a natural product, it is assumed to be better than plastic, and in many ways that is true. The major reason being of course the time it takes plastic to decay over paper. Paper will generally be broken down in a matter of months, whereas we all know that plastic is here to stay.
Stores and supermarkets adopt these policies as they are keen to show their green commitment and obtain positive public relations as a result. Of course, many shoppers are also environmentally aware too and they may choose to support the greener supermarket over another.
For people that are concerned about the environment the best thing to do is of course recycle our paper carrier bags. Recycling is now very popular and easier as bins and containers are provided by many types of council. That said, even if you don't do it yourself any paper that ends up in landfill will naturally degrade.
The issue is that paper carrier bags could also be recycled by you at home and be reused. If you do not leave them lying on the street it could help the environment by making less pollution. This would be a good way to deal with it and give a better solution as replacement of plastic that is harmful to the environment.
In conclusion, you will win by choosing paper bags instead of plastic ones or any other kind. Because they are more comfortable to use and at the same time you will help the planet.
Don't purchase any paper carrier bags until you've visited Business Pac, who offer wholesale carrier bags for business large and small.