Paper bags are made from wood pulp or recycled paper and they're generally biodegradable, which means they can break down naturally over time. The exact amount of time it takes for a paper bag to decompose depends on things like the type of paper and the presence of moisture and microorganisms. Paper bags are usually seen as a more eco-friendly option compared to plastic bags because they can be recycled and they're biodegradable, but it's important to remember that making paper bags still has an environmental impact due to the energy and resources it takes.