NEWSPAPER SWITCHES, TO RECYCLED DELIVERY BAGS

It's in the bag.

The Southeast Missourian newspaper has converted to recycled plastic bags for inclement weather delivery, according to circulation manager Mike Sturm. The new bags replace ones made from raw plastic compounds.

"We have an obligation to do what we can to save our natural resources," he said. "Since we rely heavily upon them, we need to do our part."

The recycled bags carry the recycling emblem. They can be turned in for recycling.

The bags are produced in Perryville by TNT Plastic Co., which is located in the Industrial Park. The company is a subsidiary of Ramsey Supply Co. of Hillsboro, which distributes them.

Sturm said he was pleased to find a local supplier, rather than going out of state.

"We ordered one million bags, which should last us through January," he said. "Last year just over half of the newspapers delivered were in protective bags."

The new bags are made of .8 mil polyethelyne.

The plastic packaging market has developed the recycled bags just recently. Sturm said they were not readily available a year ago.