If any of you have ever pondered over the question “paper or plastic?” then here is an informative interactive site on MSNBC which tackles the grocery bag predicament. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23358591/ The site includes info on the resources used, recycling, current laws, and a way to calculate your impact.

There is of course, the third option, the reusable bag. You can find these almost anywhere now and they are not too expensive. I got mine for just $1 each. There are benefits of getting the paper or plastic options as well, if you reuse the bags for other purposes such as for trash, recycling, lunches, or even for your next grocery store visit. My local grocery store, Ralphs, offers discounts for all three types of bags: $0.10 each for reusable, $0.05 each for paper, and $0.03 each for plastic. Check your local grocery stores to see if they offer any of the same benefits. If you do get paper or plastic though, make sure they eventually end up in the recycling bin!

Hope this helps!

Mari

11th Hour Action Intern