Paper or Plastic?

A very common question in the states.
And a 90's era TV commercial put a humorous spin with negative footage for either choice at breakneck speed, showcasing the daunting decision one must make after already making several to hundreds of choices in the aisles of the American well-stocked grocery store.

The argument continues in the states, and abroad. San Francisco has cut out plastic bags at large retailers and pharmacies. Here in Polska, even Lodz has done the same.

MSNBC has just put out a decent story/page/power pointish thing about the current state of the carrying nation.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23358591/

For us, we're trying to use our cloth or nylon bags whenever possible. One local fruit/veggie stand owner calls me and 'ekolog', which must translate to something like organic nuthead, or Earth saver. I shop at 5 stores regularly, and they still give me a weird look when I say I don't need a bag.

One common sight which is a bit strange is the Polish man carrying one can of beer in a thin plastic bag. It's weird for a few reasons. One, usually they just drink it out in the open anyway. Two, It's not like holding the beer will make them any colder (especially if they're drinking it!).
OK, I know... perhaps he was originally carrying 3 or 4 piwos and drank them already... but I've seen them make the purchase and the seller bags the one can.

very strange.