I use paper bags for so many different things around the house. They make excellent compost sacks, are incredibly useful for carrying stuff places when it would be overkill to bring a backpack or carrying bin, and can even be used to protect the cover of a textbook. The bags also make excellent wrapping paper, and my family has even used them instead of tablecloths for a period. Their versatility is almost unmatched, and I would not give them up for the world. However, my county has instituted a 10 cent tax on the bags and has even discussed banning them altogether. While I can understand the value of such a tax to discourage people who do not love them so much from taking too many and throwing them away, it has been somewhat of a burden to pay for the bags, mostly because it seems like stores intentionally use less. Are there any other locations one could obtain such bags beside the grocery store?

I agree that paper bags have more versatility and that they are better for the environment.  In fact, according to grrn.org , plastic bags require less energy to manufacture and since they are made from a renewable resource (paper) they are overall better for the environment. Paper bags also create a smaller carbon footprint because they can break down more easily. As previously stated paper bags can be repurposed as wrapping paper, reused again as grocery bags and simply easier way to carry things. In conclusion, using paper bags makes a smaller carbon footprint and is more energy efficient.
Source: http://archive.grrn.org/resources/paper_plastic.htm

In some cities, such as austin, Plastic bags are banned altogether. I think this is a wonderful choice seeing as how much more versatile, and  better for the environment  paper bags are.

Instead of paper bags, we can use cloth bags for groceries and shopping. My family keeps them in the car so we have them on hand whenever we go shopping.