Frequently Asked Questions
Paper vs. plastic?
Popular Science: What kind of bag is best for the planet?
Popular Science: What kind of bag is best for the planet?
Popular Science: What kind of bag is best for the planet?
The verdict: No bag is perfect, but your best bet is using whatever reusable bags you already have. If you have to buy new, opt for reusable plastic, polypropylene, and polyester. Ultimately, the ideal bag is the one you’ll actually use over and over.
BBC: Plastic or paper: Which bag is greener?
Popular Science: What kind of bag is best for the planet?
Popular Science: What kind of bag is best for the planet?
Paper bags require marginally fewer reuses than bags for life to make them more environmentally friendly than single-use plastic bags.
On the other hand, paper bags are less durable than other types of bags. So if customers have to replace their paper ones more frequently, it will have a greater environmental effect.
But the key to reducing the impact of all carrier bags - no matter what they are made of - is to reuse them as much as possible, says Margaret Bates, professor of sustainable waste management at Northampton University.
Polystyrene foam
Society of Environmental Journalists
Polystyrene foam cups and food containers make up a lot of litter and pollution. They are not easily recyclable, and their volume fills up overcrowded landfills — when they make it that far.
Once in landfills, styrofoam may not break down for more than 500 years. As litter, it often breaks up into little pellet-like cells and floats away as water pollution, ultimately to the oceans, where it can harm marine life.
While foam containers are not especially toxic in most situations, they can leach styrene, which can be toxic with sufficient exposure. Practical alternatives to foam containers are available.