The purpose of this phase is to get an idea of the types of information that might relate to the use of plastic and paper bags. You shouldn't be seeking evidence that supports one side or the other at this stage. Simply explore all the ideas you can come up with that could have some bearing on the topic. All ideas should be listed during a brainstorming session, with no suggestions eliminated or dismissed as being without value.

You will be responsible for making a list of ideas from your group. Include this list with the materials you turn in at the completion of the project. You are not required to actually research every idea you record. Instead, the list should serve as a guide or checklist of possible topics.

Questions to help kick off the brainstorming session include:

• What materials are used to manufacture each type of bag?
• What are the financial costs of each type of bag?
• How much energy is used to manufacture each type of bag?
• Are there potentially dangerous by-products in the manufacturing process of either bag?

1. In a single sentence, summarize the goal of this step. Write down a few questions or ideas that will help you start brainstorming a list of issues to explore in the paper-versus-plastic debate.