So if I understand that article correctly, the novelty of Apple's bag is that it's made of an unprecedented amount of recycled material but still has the same strength as a regular bag.

So by patenting that, wouldn't Apple prevent everyone else from making environment-friendly paper bags, therefore actually harming the environment?

I never cease to be amazed at what the USA thinks is patent-worthy.

I'm always curious what was the budget for such things :)