Paper Bags vs. Plastic Bags: Unveiling the Carbon Footprint
In the ongoing never-ending discourse on sustainable packaging, the environmental impact of paper and plastic bags is a subject of considerable debate. As environmentalists, let's delve into the carbon footprint of these materials Carbon Footprint Comparison: 1. Production: According to a study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, the production of paper bags generally results in a higher carbon footprint compared to plastic bags. The energy-intensive processes involved in pulping, bleaching, and forming paper contribute significantly to this disparity. 2. Transportation: The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports that the transportation of paper bags is associated with higher emissions due to their bulkier nature. Plastic bags, being lightweight and compact, often result in lower transportation-related carbon emissions. 3. End-of-Life: A life cycle analysis published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters emphasizes that while paper bags are