About Paper Bags

When you think about paper bags, usually the first thing that pops into mind is grocery shopping. While this is typically what paper bags are used for, they serve other purposes. Everyone should know how the production of paper bags affects the environment.

History

Paper bags were once the only choice for bringing groceries home.Since what seems like the beginning of time, grocery stores have used--and continue to use--paper bags to put our groceries into for transport home from the store. Paper bags were originally only available in the brown color variety, but as technology has advanced, bleaches and dyes have made paper bags available in white, as well as a rainbow of other colors.

Function

Gift bags are made out of paper and are an alternative to gift wrapping.Paper bags can be used in a variety of ways. They are sturdy and can be reused for crafts, book covers, wrapping packages and storage as well as carrying groceries. They can also be used for giving gifts, as paper gift bags are popular and offer an alternative to traditional wrapping paper. Gift bags are also easier to use than wrapping paper, and quicker.

Considerations

Paper mills produce harmful chemicals.Though we may think that paper bags are a safer alternative to the chemical-laden plastic bags available to us at the grocery store, we might want to think again. The process by which paper bags are made is not only harmful to the environment, it is harmful to forests.

Effects

Reusable bags are an alternative to paper or plastic.Paper bags are made out of kraft paper. Kraft paper, in turn, is made by heating wood chips in a chemical solution at high temperatures. If you have ever driven by a paper mill, you have probably smelled the stench that emanates from it because of these chemicals. Not only are the chemicals harmful, the wood chips contribute to deforestation as well, since trees are cut down to produce these wood chips.In addition, the use of such chemicals has been proven to contribute to water pollution, air pollution and acid rain. After the paper-making process in complete, the chemicals filter down into the waterways. The chemicals' toxicity settles into the waterways' sediments, where it can remain for a long time.

Misconceptions

It is often thought that because paper bags are somewhat biodegradable, they must be safer than plastic bags. The reality is that paper bags take more energy to recycle than plastic bags do. Also, studies in landfills have shown that because of lack of light and moisture, paper doesn't break down any faster than today's plastic bags. In addition, recycling rates for both paper and plastic bags have been very low.

Potential

While neither paper nor plastic bags are safe, there is an alternative to both. Reusable cloth bags are becoming increasingly popular at grocery and chain stores. They can be purchased for a small amount, usually $1 per bag, and can be used repeatedly.