When shopping, which bags should you choose when the cashier asks the proverbial question: PAPER OR PLASTIC? The best answer is neither. The Huffington Post reports:

The Seattle City Council voted Monday (12/19/11) to ban single-use plastic bags from groceries and other retail stores, joining a growing trend among cities that embrace green values. The ordinance, which was approved unanimously following months of discussion and debate, takes effect in July 2012. It includes a provision to charge a nickel fee for the use of paper bags, to encourage people to bring their own bags when they go shopping.

Hopefully, plastic bags will soon be outlawed all across the U.S., as in other countries They are made with petroleum and wreak havoc on the environment…and paper bags are typically manufactured from virgin wood after a deforestation.  Try using baskets, reusable canvas or cloth bags that can be washed and used time and time again.

Check out these related posts:

Verde Mom’s article on plastic bags…an unnecessary evil!

Plastic in our oceans

Plastic bags are a blowing problem

Recycle plastic bags