Quote:
Originally Posted by John Daniel
I must admit first of all I know a lot more about recycling than environmental impact. But I will say this, paper bags make for excellent raw material to produce new cardboard boxes. The plastic grocery bags are difficult to recycle.
I think if you investigated what happened to most of the plastic grocery bags that are "recycled" at the grocery stores, you would find many end up in the landfill.
I know the environmental impact in terms of energy and water is huge when recycling a paper bag. But turning wood into a paper bag is even higher! Try a simple experiment. Using stuff in your home (hint: a blender and screen), try turning a paper bag into a new paper bag. Pretty easy - now try it with some wood. I don't think you will be able to due it. And if so, you will have to use a bunch of heat and chemicals. (If you figure it out, let me know!)
Sincerely,
John Daniel
Federal International, Inc. |
Life Cycle Analysis or LCA tries, at least, to take into account average consumer behaviour and the manufacturing, recycling, etc. systems and how much they are used. So your assumptions based on the mechanics of ease or difficulty of recycling, probability of being recycled, etc., are included in it and it STILL comes out that paper takes more energy. It's not a perfect technique because it relies on assumptions but gives a better view with an attempt at calculating probabilities etc. than simply looking at the mechanics of one part of the system.
I would be quite surprised if the plastic bags collected for recycling in UK stores are not recycled for the most part, because we would get quite stroppy about being misled in that way and stores are quite risk-averse when it comes to public opinion. I don't know this for sure any more than you do so I am supposing just as you are - which generally I do not like to do.
My main point however was that it is far better to reuse strong plastic bags many times rather than use single use plastic OR paper bag. Why don't you try that as an experiment? You will probably find that there is no need for a blender or indeed any kitchen equipment. Which goes to say that reusing bags as many times as possible is a better idea, as there is no extra energy input. That's another contributing factor to the lifecycle analysis I suspect, as it's difficult to reuse paper bags many times in my experience.
MACGARDENER - I've also heard of people weaving larger, stronger shopping bags out of old plastic shopping bags cut into strips - maybe another option if you get the creative urge (I tried crocheting coasters out of them but it wasn't a massive success I have to admit
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