Packaging Plight

Paper Versus Plastic Versus Other. By Jocelyn Stott

“I was so excited that I remembered my reusable grocery bags! I almost expected balloons and confetti to be released from the ceiling tiles over the cashier’s stand,” I heard a friend say. “Shouldn’t I get a discount or something?”

Isn’t that what it feels like sometimes when you actually remember to make a step toward habit change?

Years ago we started to hear the question, “Paper or plastic?” at the checkout stand. It was suggested that we avoid the overuse of paper products because trees died to provide such a thing. So we “evolved” to cheap, flimsy plastic that seemed so modern. So noisy. So breakable. How long again does it take to replace the raw materials that comprise plastic?

“But I can carry like 10 at a time. I can see through them too,” says the teenager.

Now plastic is the default choice. It’s cheap and easy. Many people say they use the bags for other things after they’ve carried home the groceries.

That scuzzy plastic bag that mars a beautiful landscape takes flight far too easily with a well-placed gust of wind after the pack of gum has been removed. But the paper bag involved the death of a beloved, oxygen-producing tree. The simple task of choosing paper or plastic has become so fraught with implications.

Sandpoint Super 1 Foods’ Manager Steve Furin says his store does use plastic, but offers customers the option of paper bags too. In an effort to help with the environment, Furin said his store also sells the fabric reusable bags, something which more and more customers are utilizing. “The percentage of customers using fabric bags is getting higher and higher,” said Furin.

There are those who switch up their bag preference – sometimes utilizing a paper bag, and other times reusing the plastic ones for small garbage can liners or to clean up after their pets while out walking.

So how about those reusable bags?

Some stores, such as Natural Grocer in Coeur d’Alene, don’t supply either option but will offer a box for your items if you didn’t bring reusable.

If you’re looking to make a personalized statement, as well as be conscious of overusing bags, talk to Bobbie Nearny. Bobbie sells her machine-embroidered bags at many of the local farmers’ markets.

Bobbie says her bags are 100 percent organic cotton and soy dyed to create a “rustic look.” Nearny buys them in large quantities in two sizes to create personalized shopping bags that last for years.

Look for Bobbie’s creations most weekends at the Kootenai County Farmer’s Market or email her RandBNearny@yahoo.com for more information.

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