Comments for Just say no to plastic bags

Just say no to plastic bags

2009-10-23T21:18:38Z

Want a super-easy way to tout your eco-friendliness to the world? Stop using those plastic produce bags at the grocery store.

Personally, when I buy produce, I rarely put it in bags, opting instead to let my apples and zucchini hang out in the bottom of the cart. There are exceptions, of course: loose mushrooms, broccoli, loose salad, beans. But I hate those exceptions.

So, for those of you who like your veggies bagged or have little things that can't be thrown into the cart, perhaps invest in a few reusable produce bags. Or if you're really thrifty/crafty, you can even make your own.

If neither of those are options, just try saving the plastic bags from one trip and reusing them until they fall apart. I've been known to bring my Stanley's produce bags to Whole Foods or Jewel on occasion.

But just think about how much plastic you'll save over the course of a year. It makes a huge difference!

Comment from Project GreenBag on 2009-10-24

2009-10-24T18:18:07Z

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Comment from Maya Henderson on 2009-10-26

2009-10-26T18:30:59Z

I have the same cloth bags. I love them. Very easy to wash, carry and store products. I am looking into ordering reusable snack bags, too.

Comment from Supriya Doshi on 2009-10-26

2009-10-26T20:54:45Z

Ooh, reusable snack bags! I never thought of that--I usually just throw stuff into tupperware. But snack bags would take up much less space. One of these days, I'm gonna get crafty and learn how to make all this stuff myself! :)

Comment from ken holmes on 2009-10-28

2009-10-28T19:00:40Z

Supriya, actually the plastic you save during one year does not make a "huge" difference. There isn't anything wrong with using a few plastic bags. In landfills and as litter, plastic bags make up less than 1% of volume. Cloth bags (like the project greenbag cotton bag) won't biodegrade in landfills - nothing biodegrades in landfills by design.

But you do as you want. Forget that plastic bags will actually protect your produce from all the germs and bacteria that builds up on those shopping carts.

Comment from Supriya Doshi on 2009-10-28

2009-10-28T20:29:33Z

Ken, I'd think that the combination of plastic bag trash created by all the people in the world does make a big difference. I agree that there isn't anything wrong in using a few plastic bags--they're a part of our lives and they come in handy sometimes. However, I think that there is something wrong in assuming that just because something takes up less than 1% of space in a landfill, it doesn't matter.

According to the EPA, in the U.S., the consumption of plastic bags, sacks and wrap is between 500 billion and a trililon. And millions end up outside of landfills and in the water, in various eco-systems, in trees, in our backyards. Plus, those bags require petroleum and natural gas to make--further affecting the environment by consuming non-renewable resources.

So, yes, I'm willing to risk a few germs to by bringing my reusable bags--which won't end up in the landfill. If I can withstand the germs on the CTA, I'm sure I can handle those in my shopping cart.