The debate paper vs. plastic is more aptly named plastic vs. anything is better

While away in Seatle, the person ahead of me in line at Pike's market - the only person ahead of me in a deep line that didn't have a cloth bag over their shoulder - sheepishly looked around and answered, "Yes, I need a bag."

I laughed a little inside my head. Wow, times have changed. He is actually so embarrassed that he didn't bring his own bag that he can't make eye contact with the clerk!

Still, the debate continues locally:

Paper or plastic?

Where does that plastic bag come from?

Plastic is a petroleum product - it comes from oil.

Plastic is a by-product of oil refining and accounts for 4% of the worlds total oil production. It is a 'biogeochemical' manipulation of certain properties of oil, into polymers. Plastic polymers are manufactured into five main types; plastic bags are made from polyethylene. Polyethylene, as a raw material, can be manipulated into any shape, size, form or color. It is watertight and can be made UV resistant. Anything can be printed on it and it can be reused.

For the most part, the whole process of making plastic bags requires only electricity (minus the large, fuel burning heavy machinery required to acquire the oil). The electricity used in the actual production and manufacturing of plastic bags comes from coal fire power plants, which, it is interesting to note, 50% of that electricity is generated from the burning of old tires (made from rubber which is essentially, plastic).

Learn more about paper vs. plastic at greenfeet.net.

Maybe if we didn't waste so many of our resources on such an unnecessary evil, we'd have cheaper prices at the pump, cleaner air and feel a little better not having to answer paper or plastic.

There are many alternatives to plastic bags: you can bring your own bag (BYOB - the most environmentally friendly choice) or urge your store to start using biodegradable or compostable bags.

But remember - the best way to shop is with your own reuseable bag. There are tons of styles out that and you'll look really cool doing it.

It is long overdue for Portland to shift from plastic. Let's make it happen!