Question

Which statement offers the strongest support for the statement below?

Plastic grocery bags are better for the environment than paper grocery bags.

A. Reusable cloth bags are best for the environment, but plastic grocery bags are the next best option.
B. Plastic grocery bags require less energy to manufacture and are more likely to be reused or recycled than paper grocery bags.
C. Plastic grocery bags take significantly longer to decompose than paper grocery bags, but they will eventually decompose.
D. Paper grocery bags are often assumed to be more environmentally friendly than plastic bags, but they still harm the environment.

Answer 1

B. Plastic grocery bags require less energy to manufacture and are more likely to be reused or recycled than paper grocery bags.

Step-by-step explanation:

Option B is the strongest support for the claim that plastic grocery bags are better for the environment than paper bags. It asserts that plastic bags require less energy to manufacture, indicating a lower environmental impact during production. Additionally, it emphasizes that plastic bags are more likely to be reused or recycled compared to paper bags, further contributing to environmental sustainability. These aspects collectively endorse the argument that, considering energy efficiency and recycling potential, plastic grocery bags may have a superior environmental profile compared to their paper counterparts.

Answer 2

The statement that offers the strongest support is that plastic grocery bags are both more energy-efficient to produce and offer greater opportunities for reuse or recycling than paper grocery bags. The correct option is C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The strongest support for the statement that plastic grocery bags are better for the environment than paper grocery bags is: 'Plastic grocery bags require less energy to manufacture and are more likely to be reused or recycled than paper grocery bags.'

his statement directly supports the idea that plastic bags have environmental advantages in terms of energy efficiency and potential for reuse and recycling.

Energy consumption is a critical factor when assessing environmental impact. Since the energy cost of consumer goods is generally related to their weight, plastic bags, which are lighter than paper bags, typically require less energy to produce.

Regarding the three R's of garbage — Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle — plastic bags offer a chance for reuse and recycling, contributing to waste reduction.

While reusable cloth bags are the optimal choice for environmental conservation, among disposable options, plastic bags have a smaller carbon footprint than paper bags, especially if they are reused or recycled effectively. The correct option is C.