08-08-2008, 04:43 AM
quote:
Originally posted by aprild
Matt, Matt, Matt.
Why don't you research some info on the production of paper bags and post it? Perhaps you can even find an article which compares paper vs. plastic. Then we'd have some real facts to sink our teeth into. And you'd be able to back up your claim.
For you to think I'd be spouting off without doing my own research is slightly insulting to me. And I really shouldn't have to post links to websites telling you why it takes more gas to transport paper bags, since it's fairly obvious how much heavier and how much more volume they occupy.
But I'll bite, this one summarizes the whole issue well.
http://www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/1268.html
Please pay attention to where the site specifically points out how plastic is "better" than paper when looking at the production, transport and the landfill issues. Please also note where the site actually says paper is better than plastic when talking about sea life. The site covers ALL the issues of BOTH sides very well, don't you think?
My point is, you can't sit there and say let's ban plastic without looking at the larger issue. A simple ban on plastic is going to have the immediate effect of more consumption of paper bags, which is in some ways opposite of the intended outcome.... a healthier environment.
My preferred solution is a bill which gives incentives to use re-usable bags. This would be the most environmentally friendly solution.
By the way, I did find out 711 will put my 6 pack in my re-usable cloth bag, instead of forcing me to put it in plastic! Awesome!
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