Whether you're a store owner trying to decide which type of bags to order for your store or you're a customer trying to answer the inevitable “paper or plastic?” question, knowing the facts about paper grocery bags is important. In this article, you'll get a better understanding of the many benefits using paper bags affords us all.

They can easily be reused—Paper bags serve far more purposes than simply transporting groceries from the store to your home. Some studies have shown that over 90% of Americans reuse their paper bags at least once. You can reuse paper bags for anything from packing a lunch for school or work to wrapping a gift for a special occasion. If your paper bags are still in good condition, you can take them with you the next time you go to the store so as not to waste any bags. Paper grocery bags can also be used as textbook covers for school. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Paper grocery bags can be recycled—Paper bags are easy to recycle, and by doing your part, these bags will be repurposed for a variety of other functions. Many cities now offer curbside recycling pickup, and if your area doesn't, chances are, there is a recycling center nearby. Paper bags are recycled at nearly 5 times the rate of plastic bags.

They're stronger than plastic—For dry goods, paper bags are far more effective than their plastic counterparts. Plastic grocery bags tend to stretch easier, while paper bags can easily hold up to 20 pounds of groceries or other goods.

Don't forget about the environment—As our environmental awareness has increased over the years, everyone is thinking twice about the products they use. You've likely heard the debates of paper vs. plastic, and each has their benefits and their drawbacks. However, paper is beneficial as it's very easy to recycle, and paper grocery bags are also quick to degrade in dumps and landfills.

They're safe for kids—Let's face it: you never know what your kids will get into next. We've all heard the horror stories of kids accidently suffocating on plastic bags. Thankfully, that isn't the case with paper grocery bags. Paper bags are safe for kids to play with, and they can do a number of activities with them. Whether they simply want to draw and color on the bag or they want to cut it up for a craft project, paper grocery bags are a quick way for your kids to have fun.

Paper bags are less dangerous to wildlife—Lastly, paper bags don't pose the danger to wildlife that plastic bags can. Wildlife can suffocate if they get caught in a plastic bag, and plastic is also dangerous to marine life. Paper grocery bags pose none of these risks.

So, next time you're in the store at the checkout stand, you can feel confident answering “paper” to the bagger. Paper grocery bags have a wide range of benefits that you can enjoy time and time again.