Q & A: Why ban plastic grocery sacks?

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Story Published: Sep 11, 2008 at 9:22 AM PST

This is a press release courtesy of Market of Choice

What kind of impact can a single customer have?
Use our ultra handy, “green” bags twice a week for two years, and you’ll replace more than 400 paper or plastic bags. Made from 100 percent recyclable, non-toxic, and allergy-free polypropylene, these bags save the world – one bag at a time. They are offered below cost, as a service to our customers.

Market of Choice switched to biodegradable plastic bags, why eliminate them?
Under proper conditions, biodegradable plastics can disintegrate to the point where microorganisms can metabolize them. However, degradation occurs very slowly, if at all, in a sealed landfill.

Where are similar steps being taken?
In March 2007, San Francisco became the first U.S. city to ban common plastic shopping bags, followed by nearby Oakland. Plastic shopping bags are banned in at least 30 villages and towns in Alaska. Seattle recently proposed a 20-cent "green fee" on plastic bags; it goes into effect in 2009.

Does this mean there will be no plastic bags in the stores?
We will keep a supply of plastic bags on-hand for special items, such as meat and take-away chicken to prevent leaking. In addition, both paper and plastic bags will be offered in our produce section until alternate solutions can be found.

How is paper better than plastic?
Recyclable paper bags are an environmentally sustainable, functional choice. They are made from recovered materials and are easily recycled, re-used or composted. This reduces waste and helps sustain the environment.

Doesn’t it take trees to make paper sacks?
Trees are not cut down to produce the paper bags we use. Certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, they are 100 percent recyclable, compostable, reusable, and are made with wood fiber recovered during the manufacturing process. For more information visit: www.sfiprogram.org.

Why return/reuse paper sacks instead of recycling them?
Paper sacks are made with about 40 percent post-consumer waste; the remaining 60 percent is pre-consumer, recovered, wood-fiber bark. Bottom line: it’s better to reuse them, whenever possible.

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