Paper or Plastic?

While I know this is not the first minor rant on my blog, this one just keeps coming up again and again and getting under my skin. Why is it that every time I purchase something, I need to be asked this question as though it is SUCH an important decision?

#1, If I'm using a bag, it's going to be paper because I can recycle it and use it to fill with recycled products for the recycle crew to take away for me.

#2, I finally reached the breaking point and bought a nice canvas bag that so far I've been able to remember about 80% of the time, which is large enough to hold my grocery purchase nearly every time. No, I don't want to cause a ruckus by saying boisterously "Neither! I brought my own! Yippee!" However, I'm hoping that by holding it out I can avoid answering the same question for the 8 millionth time.

If nothing else, maybe baggers could just DEFAULT to paper and if someone has a strong objection about it, they'll let em know.