Nix Panicus posted:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/13/world/reusable-grocery-bags-cotton-plastic-scn/index.html

You need to reuse the plastic bags like 10+ times before it breaks even with just getting a single use bag, and a cotton bag needs to be reused 50+ times

Plastic bags are also about 50% more energy efficient than a paper bag, mostly due to transport costs (paper is heavier and takes up more space). Also paper doesnt decompose in modern landfills and takes up more space than plastic, meaning more landfills.

So the only ethical choice for people who can't remember to bring their bags shopping is single use plastic bags. I'm doing my part, are you?