One thing paper bags are consistently lauded for is the higher rate at which they’re recycled. Because most municipalities accept paper bags curbside, it’s easy to forget about paper bags as soon as they’re hauled away by the recycling truck. But paper does not leave your curb and head straight to the store as shiny new paper. Far from it.
Check out this video for a comprehensive look at the steps a paper bag undergoes before it can be reused.
Allow us to summarize: Paper is first collected, sorted by machine and by hand, sorted some more to pick out all non-paper items, washed, turned to sludge, purified, poured, flattened, dried, colored or bleached, cut, packaged and sent out into the world. Each step of the way involves huge machines and intensive energy use, which rely on fossil fuels. Even if the results are good – we’ve kept a paper bag out of landfill – we have nevertheless added a huge number of chemicals to the world’s air and water.
If you’ve been relying heavily on the psychological comfort provided by paper bag recycling, think again. It’s time to stop assuming paper bags are “fine” and opt for a better option.