When going to the store, which type of bag should you choose...paper or plastic?
Good question. If you are looking for some good, hard data to support one choice or the other, keep looking. It really depends on the data source as to how the data is presented. For example, data provided by the paper industry indicates paper bags are the better choice because they do not harm wildlife (as plastic bags can) and they are compostable which generates less solid waste. However, data provided by the plastics industry indicates plastic bags are the better choice because they require about 70% less energy to produce than paper bags. Basically, a person could argue it either way.
However, there is another option - BYOB (bring your own bag)! Utilizing your own canvas or cloth bag generates the least amount of waste because they can be used over and over again. You can purchase reusable bags at many local retail stores or you can get creative and customize your own! Many people are now concerned with germs congregating in reusable bags, but the great thing about them is that they can either be tossed in with the laundry or sprayed with a disinfectant between uses.
Reusable bags also help close the loop: REDUCE - REUSE - RECYCLE