Paper Bags: The Facts and Figures Which You Need to Know

Paper Bags: The Facts and Figures Which You Need to Know

August 4, 2015 Off By Jane
[mla_gallery]

Many people now know that paper bags come from renewable sources, are recyclable, and can be reused themselves in numerous ways. However, this is often just a partial knowledge – most people are still unaware of just how great paper bags are. Here are the facts!

Renewability

During 2011 – in the United States alone – forests and wooden products stored around 16% of all the carbon dioxide which was emitted by the use of fossil fuels. This means that paper bags and the trees which they are responsibly made from help lower emissions, and construction is getting more eco-friendly as well.

Approximately two-thirds of power utilized to make paper is from carbon-neutral sources which are completely renewable. Paper bags aren’t yet 100% eco-friendly, but they’re becoming more so by the day.

Recyclable

Four times the number of paper bags are recovered compared to plastic bags. This means that they are far more likely to be recycled, keeping them out of landfills. In fact, every ton of paper recycled frees up 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space.

This is one bagging option that can be easily recycled, and it’s become more and more popular to do so. People are increasingly aware of the importance of recycling paper bags, and governments are simultaneously making it easier than ever by expanding recycling services and investing in more efficient recycling plants.

Compostable

Paper bags which have been used to carry food are often harder to recycle. Luckily, they’re perfect for holding compostable waste, and the paper itself is easily compostable as well. You can always use them effectively in your own garden compost pile, but mulching programs are becoming more and more popular across the country, so this environmental benefit doesn’t just need to be personal.

This is great since it means that you can keep using a paper bag until it is thoroughly worn out. It might take a long time for a paper bag to become worn, but once it has it will be easier than ever to use for compost.

How to Cook Your Christmas Chicken In A Paper Bag

Paper makes the perfect bagging material; if you weren’t convinced before reading this article, we’re sure that you are now.