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A very simple way to "go green" is with your choice of shopping bags. We all go shopping; some of us more than others, and most of the items we purchase end up in a bag of some sort: paper, plastic, or "other/neither".

Some people feel that plastic is the best way to go. It is light weight and can be recycled (though most never are). But, these are petroleum based products that do not easily breakdown in a landfill, where most of them end up. They require a lot of energy to produce and are only used once. If they "escape" into the environment, they clog streams and tangle up small birds and animals. So, this is not really the greenest way to go. Recycling them also requires a lot of energy.

Other people will swear by paper bags; after all, they are made of natural renewable resources and they are biodegradable. But, they weigh more, so more energy is needed to transport the same quantity. They are only used once and then are thrown away like a plastic bag. The process of turning trees into brown paper does use a lot of energy. Until paper bags do degrade; they take up a lot of room in the local landfill. Plus, a lot of growing trees are destroyed to make them. So, these really aren't very green either.

If neither paper or plastic are very "green"; what can you use?

Some major stores are making and selling reusable canvas bags (with the store logo) which you can use to carry your purchases. These can be used over and over; but, they are heavy and awkward to carry around with you. The weight factor means that delivering them costs more in fuel costs. They are also rather expensive, with some of them costing $20 or more. Not really the BEST choice; but, better than either paper or plastic.

The BEST choice that I have found; is one that I was introduced to when I visited Turkey in the mid 70's - string bags. These are light weight bags that are made from string, twine, or yarn. They come in many sizes and colors and they "expand". They collapse small enough to slip in your purse, briefcase, pocket, or glove compartment. They are normally made of cotton fiber (natural renewable source and biodegradable). They cost less than the canvas bags; but, can hold up to 40 pounds of groceries or "gear". Experts estimate that each string bag used saves approximately 200 paper or plastic bags. And, you can toss them in the laundry with the rest of your clothes to clean them.

If you do not have a local source of string bags; you can easily buy them over the Internet. Here are two sites that sell these wonderful green bags.

1) http://store.greenfeet.com/ind ex.asp - just go to the bottom of the page and click on "reusable bags".
2) http://www.reusablebags.com - string bags are listed on the left hand sidebar.

So, the best choice of "paper, plastic, or neither" is: neither. Neither, being a string bag.

Learn more about this author, Ginger Kazay.
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