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No Winners in Paper Verses Plastic
When it comes to shopping bags, reusable bags are definitely the way to go.  The energy to produce both paper and plastic bags comes from "dirty" sources like coal and petroleum.  Although both paper and plastic bags can be recycled, the recycling rate of paper bags is only 10 - 15% and plastic bags are even worse at 1 - 3%. There are many great sources for reusable bags.  You can choose from canvas, string and insulated bags that are big and roomy or small and compact.  They also have fun and stylish bags to reflect your style.
Try www.reusablebags.com for a wide variety to choose from.  As a bonus, they donate 1% of their sales to the environment and support fair trade practices.  

What Makes It Green?
Reusable bags can be just that - reused.  High quality canvas bags can be used around 500 times during their life cycle.  They 're made from renewable resources, take minimal energy to produce, are light, durable and last for years.  By using a reusable bag, you save energy and natural resources.  The production of plastic bags uses oil, a fossil fuel.  The production of paper bags not only uses trees; but also fossil fuel to run the heavy logging machines and thousands of gallons of water to wash and bleach paper.  You will also save both plastic and paper bags from heading to landfills and worse into the environment.  Small plastic bags were among the 12 items of debris most often found along the US coast line.  

What You Can Do
Ensure that you use your reusable bags by choosing the right bags and keeping them conveniently located.   Here are a few things to consider when choosing the reusable bag that's right for you:

According to the EPA over 380 billion plastic bags, sack and wraps are consumed in the US each year.  Earth 911 estimates that each year, Americans use about 10 billion paper bags, which results in the cutting down of 14 million trees.