The best choice is neither

Published 4:37 pm Thursday, December 13, 2007

Standing in line at the grocery store, I’m constantly amazed when shoppers answer the clerk, “Oh, it doesn’t matter” when given a choice between paper and plastic bag. It does matter!

Plastic takes up to 1,000 years to decompose. If you must use plastic bags, at least take your own next time you go to the store. Paper bags contribute to the loss of trees and take more energy to produce than plastic. Consider reusing paper bags when you need more groceries than a reusable tote or two will hold.

Most large grocery chains now offer reusable bags for a few dollars. Any sturdy canvas tote bag will do — just keep it in your car so it’s always handy.

Next time a clerk asks you that question, pull out your reusable bag and answer, “neither”!

Sharon Sneddon