With the advent of supermarkets and other retail chains in the world's major cities, there has been an increase in demand for paper bags and plastic bags. After all, these are indispensable in packing the items that the shopper has purchased. In most supermarkets, retail chains and grocery stores, there is choice to have your items bagged using plastic or paper. There are many retail outlets that still use plastic but in the United States, there is always the choice to use either. This has raised the question as to which is ideal, the plastic bag or the shopping bag. As we shall see, both have their pros and cons.
The plastic bag has been a top choice for many retailers for some time owing to the fact that it is strong and durable. This means that the plastic bag can bear considerable weight and rather than go home with a series of bags, the shopper can carry multiple items in one plastic bag and be assured that everything will be safe. While there are brands paper used to buy paper bag that are very durable and strong, there is always the danger that when using the paper bag, it might spill its contents if stretched too far.
The plastic bag is also water-resistant. This can come especially handy when buying groceries or items that might leak such as lotion. When it comes to the brown paper bag, there can be some concerns especially if you are carrying something that may tend to leak or was wet (fruits). Paper bags can soak water and become soggy thereby tearing and spilling their contents in a most unceremonial manner.
Paper bags for sale are considered safer than plastic bags. There have been multiple known cases of suffocation especially of little children who when playing with plastic bags, can slip them over their heads and in a moment of panic, be unable to remove it in time. Because of this, and also the danger of swallowing, many shoppers who have small children prefer paper bags which can be used and thrown away. There are recyclable paper bags in existence as well but these can rarely pose any danger.
Paper bags, although popular, may not be reused too many times. This is not the case with plastic bags which can be reused around the house multiple times. This renders them extremely economical. Paper bags because of their overall lack of durability, cannot be used too many times and may only ensure for the duration of the original purpose for which they were issued.
Plastic bags have become an environmental issue. This is because they can be unsightly especially if disposed of the wrong way. In some instances, especially in farmland areas, cattle can swallow these plastic bags and this can become a health hazard for them. Both plastic bags and paper bags can also cause fires especially if disposed wrongly. In countries whose summers tend to get very hot, this can easily be an area of major concern.