I'm not convinced that the plastic shopping bag is still not the most efficient use of resources. All the alternatives, even though they may be reusable, have energy inputs many times that of the humble disposable bag. How many times do you have to re-use them before the break even point is even reached, let alone seeing any worthwhile savings? As far as using the plastic bag to store stuff in, I'm becoming increasing frustrated by the bags falling apart if left outside for any length of time. I now use 2 or 3 bags inside each other if I want to use them outside. I wonder how long they would last if used as tree guards?
