Final answer:
The central idea of the text is that neither paper nor plastic bags are the preferred choice due to their environmental and energy consumption impacts, suggesting that cloth bags might be the better option.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central idea of "Paper or Plastic, Neither!" can be discerned from examining the environmental impact and energy consumption related to the use of these materials. The provided reference mentions the energy cost associated with goods is close to the energy contained in their gasoline weight equivalent, and thus, a heavier bag likely requires more resources to produce. Coupled with the purpose statement that aims to compel the audience to reduce their use of disposable plastic, it points towards the preference for neither paper nor plastic bags, implying that a more sustainable option like cloth bags might be preferred.
The historical context provided highlights the inception of consumerism and disposable culture in urban areas, signifying how the problem of waste management started and grew alongside technological advances and changing fashions. This supports the idea that reusable materials, such as cloth bags, might be a solution to the increasing disposable culture. Therefore, considering all this information, we can conclude that the central idea of the text is that neither paper nor plastic bags are preferred, leading us to option D as the correct answer.