Your best bet is to get some good re-usable bags. They range anywhere from 99 cents to a few bucks and each one (or at least a well made one) will replace thousands of plastic bags over it's lifetime. On top of that, with a 5 cent back per bag refund from most grocery stores, they'll actually pay for themselves and then keep making you money.
Your best bet is to have a few by the door, a few in the car, and one in your purse or bag (Chico bags are small enough to fit in there without getting in the way). Whole Foods sells a good full size bag for 99 cents that's made from recycled bottles and has a lifetime warranty (they'll replace it for free).
On top of that, take the pledge and just say that you'll never take another plastic bag again. After that, you'll find yourself at the store once or twice without a bag and have to juggle things out, but trust me, that'll convince you pretty quickly.
PROS: Better for the environment, better for your pocket, actually saves you money over the long run.
CONS: Takes a little while to get used to keeping bags handy but eventually you won't even think about it.
9 comments:
I think what you are doing is WONDERFUL!!!! I found out about your project on NPR. I was browsing through and read your plastic bag tip. I use a canvas bag when I can, I compost kitchen waste, recycle and reuse. But, I still create garbage. What I usually do is use plastic grocery bags as a garbage bag, but I want to cut out the nasty things! What do you suggest to use as garbage bags (or receptacles)?
Thanks so much!
Hey Dorriola,
good on you and thanks for stopping by and commenting. Unfortunately this is a tough one as without a bag, you'll be washing your garbage can out a bunch which is a waste of water. I'd suggest a corn based bag like like a biobag. Another idea is to just eliminate the nasties in your garbage. If you compost, you'll never have to throw away any food and that makes up most of the nasty stuff. The rest of the garbage will not need a bag and voila, you're basically bag free!
Consume Less, Conserve More!!!!
Dave
Where did you get that statistic that a million plastic bags are thrown out every minute?
Hey E,
Take your pick.
http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en-us&q=plastic+bags+per+minute+US&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
Dave
What do you use when you buy vegetables? I think non-recyclable packaging should be outlawed.
Agreed.
http://www.reusablebags.com/store/organic-cotton-mesh-produce-snack-bags-p-689.html
what do you use when buying from the bulk bins? i want to switch to bulk rice, beans, nuts, etc...but as of yet, have used (and re-used) the bags supplied there. do you have another suggestion?
My grocery store Fred Meyer (Kroger) has a recycling center to return plastic bags (it's always full), as well as the 99-cent bags. I've got a car full I use when I shop. They have not yet done away with the plastic bags. I use them actually for collecting my used cat litter (have 12 rescues). Don't know what I'd use otherwise. Mine do not go to waste, but unfortunately they do go to the landfill.
Anonymous,
We actually use plastic for these, but just reuse the ones we save. Empty them out and put them back int he drawer. Some things like rice are tough in other holders.
Dave
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