Paper or plastic? While both paper and plastic bags are recyclable, the best answer is to carry and use reusable bags. A couple points:
When 1 ton of plastic bags is reused or recycled, the energy equivalent of 11 barrels of oil are saved. (via)
Each year, Americans throw away some 100 billion polyethylene plastic bags. (Only 0.6 percent of plastic bags are recycled.) (via)
Windblown plastic bags are so prevalent in Africa that a cottage industry has sprung up harvesting bags and using them to weave hats, and even bags. According to the BBC, one group harvests 30,000 per month. (via)
As the issues surrounding plastic bag waste become more well-known, some cities, and even entire countries, are moving to ban plastic grocery bags altogether.
Reusablebags.com carries reusable bags in a huge variety shapes, styles, colors, and materials, as well as more information on disposable plastic bags.
For the plastic grocery bags you do still end up with, you can find out where to recycle them, and read creative tips for how to reuse them.
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