"Jeff Strickland" wrote
Back then, the problem was paper bags eating up trees at an alarming rate,
so they came up with plastic bags because of ENVIRONMENTAL concerns --
paper eats trees, eating trees is bad for the environment, so let's use
plastic and save the trees. Not a bad argument as arguments go, and I
generally answered the question, "paper or plastic?" with, "plastic,
please."

Virtually all of my groceries come home in cloth (probably hemp) bags, and
have done for the last 15 years. Same bags every time.

They are great because they clasp shut and can be carried on the sholder.
They are the perfect size, capable of holding about 20 lbs each - extremely
strong, durable, washable, and usable for a variety of other purposes.
Unfortunately they have become worn and I can't find similar replacements.

A few days ago I picked up a reusable tarp like plastic bag. Inferior but
still reusable and made from 100% recycled materials.

Bag cost me a buck.