I read with enthusiasm your article and editorial regarding the banning of plastic bags.

Yes plastic is convenient, however the real question is whether or not the State of Rhode Island actually recycles plastic bags. The question was not asked or answered.

It has recently come to my attention that although I bring my plastic to large chains (Stop & Shop, Seabra, Walmart) they are actually tossed in the trash.

Many residents try to do the “right” thing believing they are making a difference to save the planet for the next generation.

While an inconvenience, I personally think paper bags are a good thing. 

On another note, when was the last time you went to a liquor store and your purchases were placed in plastic bags? Many specialty neighborhood stores already use paper bags.

Last question: What did individuals do prior to plastic bags? —- something to think about.

I for one feel we need to know exactly what happens to plastic bags in our state and that information needed to be shared with readers.

Linda Jackson

57 Annawamscutt Drive, Bristol

Editor’s note: According to R.I. Resource Recovery Center Communication Coordinator Katherine Hypolite, plastic shopping bags placed in RIRRC "ReStore" bins are bundled and shipped to the Trex company, which uses the bags to make plastic composite decking. RIRRC ships approximately 15 to 20 tons of plastic shopping bags to Trex each year, and is paid $100 per ton. ReStore bins can be found at Ocean State Job Lot stores, Dave's Marketplace, Rite Aid Pharmacy, and Shore's Fresh Food Market.