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What Are the Pros & Cons of Paper Bags?

It is not uncommon to hear the words "paper of plastic" when checking out at the supermarket. As our society becomes more environmentally conscious, it is important to evaluate the pros and cons of paper bags before going to the grocery store.

Pros
- Paper bags come from trees, which are a renewable resource. They are also biodegradable, meaning they break down into their natural elements and return to the earth to fertilize it. Additionally, paper bags are recyclable, which can help save resources.
Cons
- Harmful chemicals such as sulfurous acid, sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate are used to create and recycle paper. The paper production process is also a high energy consumer, as heavy machinery using fossil fuels and electricity must be used to chop down the trees used to make paper.
Cloth Bags
- If you have decided that the cons of using paper bags outweigh the pros, consider using reusable cloth bags made from natural, renewable fiber. Reusable bags can be washed and used repeatedly.

Nature