Part 3/11:
One of the most common swaps people make is from plastic bags to reusable ones. While reusable bags do avoid the single-use plastic problem, the environmental impact of various materials must be considered. Paper bags and cotton alternatives, for example, require much more energy, water, and resources to produce compared to their plastic counterparts.
Moreover, many shoppers are drawn to colorful woven bags, believing them to be more durable. However, these typically contain plastics like polypropylene, making them inherent contributors to pollution. A more sustainable option might be a reusable cotton bag, which, while requiring a substantial number of uses to offset its production impact, can be effectively maintained over time.