Module 5 Problem Set 1) To compare plastic and paper bags in terms of acquisition of raw materials, manufacturing and processing, use, and disposal, we will use data provided by Franklin Associates, a nationally known consulting firm whose clients include the U.S. EPA as well as many companies and industry groups. In 1990, Franklin Associates compared plastic bags to paper bags in terms of their energy and air/ water emissions in manufacture, use, and disposal. The table below presents the results of their study. (a) Which bag would you choose if you were most concerned about air pollution? (Note that the information does not tell you whether these are toxic air emissions or greenhouse gas emissions.) (b) If you assume that two plastic bags equal one paper bag, does the choice change? (c) Compare the energy required to produce each bag. Which bag takes less energy to produce? Table / 1.9 Results of Study Comparing Plastic and Paper Bags Life Cycle Stages Air Emissions (pollutants) (oz/bag) Energy Required (BTU/bag) Paper 0.0516 Plastic Paper Plastic Materials manufacture, product manufacture, product use 0.0146 905 464 Raw materials acquisition, product disposal 0.0510 0.0045 724 185