Paper vs. Plastic

In the past few months, moves to ban the use of plastic bags and styrofoam in stores and other places have gained momentum. In Quezon City, Ordinance No. SP-2127, has been passed as of Aug 16, banning the use of these materials.Which is better, Paper vs. Plastic?

Even the  Local Government Unit (LGU) of Naguilian, in La Union, has prohibited the use of plastic bags in their town.

Also participating in this no plastic policy is Las Pinas City which has passed Ordinance No. 1036-11, banning the use of plastic bags and polystyrene packs in all commercial establishments doing business in Las Piñas City.

Even in Mandaluyong City, certain days of the week, all stores are required to use paper bags and boxes as opposed to plastic bags and polystyrene packs.

Is it too late for these environment friendly moves? Or is it really environment friendly?

Environmentalists say that this might not be the solution to the problem, worse, it might exacerbate the situation as you need to cut down more trees to produce paper bags. Just how many trees depends on a lot of things, like what type of pare, what type of trees and others. But, it is clear that you need trees to make paper, with our forests and other natural resources quickly dwindling, is this what we want?

Or should we step up drives for our population to recycle?