For years in different parts of the country, government has been trying to ban the use of plastic and paper bags because they jeopardize our planet. Plastic and paper bags create all sort of environmental problems such as; pollution, dead animals, and overfilled landfills. So instead of using plastic or paper bags in grocery stores, we should considered using eco-friendly reusable bags. There are different kinds of reusable bags, but the latest trend is one that is made of polypropylene. Although polypropylene is a form of plastic, it is safer than regular plastic. These new bags are strong and durable, they are chemical resistant, they are very affordable (one dollar per bag), and most importantly, they can be recycle. Polypropylene has the three R’s function, reduce, reuse, and recycle. Although these new bags are better than both plastic and paper bags, there are some disadvantages in using them, thou some of these disadvantages can be avoided. For one, there is sanitation issue; due to frequent use, the bag, eventually will get dirty. Second, some polypropylene reusable bags are low in quality because they are made from thin polypropylene so they tend to wear out. Lastly, and perhaps the worse downside of reusable bags is polypropylene is made from oil. However, if the bag is made from recycled polypropylene, it is given new life to what otherwise may have entered the waste stream, which can be ineffectual to the planet. In conclusion I think it is best to use reusable bags because it is safer than both plastic and paper
References: Alexander H Tullo. (2007, October). From Refuse to Reuse. Chemical & Engineering News, 85(42), 15-20. Retrieved September, 29, 2010, from ProQuest Journals. Cunningham, W.P. and Cunningham, M.A. (2008). Principles of environmental science: Inquiry and applications (Custom 5th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. These stackable, reusable bags offer chemical resistance, too. (1998). Chemical Engineer, 105(4), 1261-10. Retrieved September, 28, 2010, from ProQuest Science Journals.