The takeaway is that there is no magic solution. Consumption implies impact, whether you use paper or plastic. Unless you shop at a farm, there's still a bunch

The takeaway is that there is no magic solution. Consumption implies impact, whether you use paper or plastic. Unless you shop at a farm, there's still a bunch of packaging in your grocery haul outside of the carrying bag - the box containing the froot loops, the bag containing the organic beet chips, the foam plate and plastic wrap that contains your free-range chicken. Therefore be thoughtful about what you consume. tl/dr: Re-use your paper bags. Ride your bike to the grocery.