World Paper Bag Day 2024: Which Bag is Best for the Environment? Check Here

On July 12th, every year, the world comes together to celebrate World Paper Bag Day. This day serves as a reminder of the environmental advantages of using paper bags over plastic ones.

One of the biggest environmental concerns is plastic pollution. The decomposition of plastic bags can take hundreds of years, causing harm to ecosystems and species when they end up in landfills and the ocean. On World Paper Bag Day, paper bags are promoted as a greener option.

Here is why paper bags are a better choice for the environment: 

• Biodegradable: Paper bags save trash in landfills because they naturally degrade and are manufactured from renewable materials.
• Recyclable: The environmental impact of paper bags can be reduced by recycling them several times.
• Reusable: To further reduce trash, sturdy paper bags can be used repeatedly for various occasions, such as shopping trips.
• Safer for Wildlife: Paper bags are less dangerous to wildlife in comparison to plastic bags, as marine life confuses plastic bags as food.

Which Bag is Best for the Environment?

The National Geographic has categorised three types of bags according to different sources which are: The Vox, The Atlantic, and Stanford Magazine. According to these sources, different bag materials have different pros and cons, which are discussed below: 

Plastic Bags

The process of making plastic bags is one of its main benefits. The grocery plastic bags use high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which uses less energy in production and produces fewer hazardous consequences than alternative methods. 

But when it comes to their afterlife, the narrative takes a different route. Logistical difficulties make it difficult for plastic bags to be recycled. As they break down into microplastics and become a persistent type of trash, they endanger ecosystems and wildlife when they are not properly disposed of. This important factor is frequently overlooked in studies looking at how plastic bags affect the environment . 

Paper Bags

There are certain environmental benefits to using paper bags. They can be composted because they are easily recyclable and naturally break down. But the process of making paper uses a lot more resources and energy than making plastic bags. 

Research indicates that compared to plastic bags, a paper bag must be used many times to counteract its environmental impact. It is unlikely that they will be reused to this extent due to their decreased durability. In spite of this, the US has a high rate of paper recycling (68.1% in 2018), which lessens their environmental impact.

The National Geographic mentions: “Studies have shown that, for a paper bag to neutralize its environmental impact compared to plastic, it would have to be used anywhere from three to 43 times. Since paper bags are the least durable of all the bagging options, it is unlikely that a person would get enough use out of any one bag to even out the environmental impact.”

Reusable Bags

There are many different types of reusable bags, and each has a different environmental cost. For example, a UK research found that cotton bags may be reused up to 131 times, which helps offset the impact of their manufacture. 

Some materials perform better than plastic; nonwoven polypropylene, for example, requires just eleven reuses before breaking even. But regular use is necessary for reusable bags to be effective, which might be difficult for forgetful shoppers. Nevertheless, studies demonstrating a decline in plastic bag pollution following bag bans demonstrate that reusable bags greatly reduce litter.

The National Geographic mentions: “In addition to varying widely in their eco-friendliness, there is the chance that reusable bags go unused, because consumers have to remember to bring the bags with them to the store. The biggest positive of reusable bags is that their use cuts down on the amount of litter on land and in the ocean. Studies have found that bans on plastic bags in cities in the United States and Europe have decreased the amount of plastic litter in nearby waters.”

The ideal bag choice depends on individual habits and priorities. If you prioritize minimizing resource use, consider reusable bags with high reusability potential. If responsible disposal is your concern, paper bags might be a better option. Regardless of choice, conscientious reuse and responsible disposal are key factors in minimising environmental impact.

READ| World Paper Bag Day 2024: Theme, History and Benefits of Using Paper Bag