The bags we have around the house are reused over and over and then recycled. Our Wal-mart has a very convenient recycling box right as we go in so we recycle them as much as possible. Plastic bags when put in a landfill don't decompose like, say, paper or food decomposes. It breaks down into toxic chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Those bags that don't even make it to the landfill can be deadly to wildlife - especially sea animals such as turtles.So, we have started using reusable bags for our shopping. I had a few from living by myself in Banner Elk in college that I had gotten at Lowe's Foods that have wonderful side pockets. I recently got an insulated bag at Whole Foods for around $3.00 to put my cold and frozen items in and (thanks Dad!) just got a whole mess of bags from Food City for around $1 each. Many Wal-marts have also started to sell reusable bags for around $1. Many grocery stores now give you a small discount when you bring your own bag - a million years ago when I was in college, Lowe's Foods would take off around $0.15 for each bag you bring of your own. It doesn't sound like much but the next time you go to the store, count how many bags you used and multiply that out and see how much you could be saving!
It may seem hard to remember to use the bags at first - especially for random or emergency "I forgot milk" trips to the store but have been good at putting the bags in the back of the car whenever we finish putting our groceries away. I like the looks I get at the grocery store from the bag boys when I lay my bags up on the counter and announce "I have my own bags, thank you" :) They'll get used to it!
For those of you who are crafty, you could even make your own totes if you don't want to buy them. I cruise the clearance fabric at Wal-mart and got about 4 yards for $1 a yard and have my bags cut out for some extras. I should get about 4-6 bags out of that. I just looked at how my pocketed Lowe's bag was and pieced it together from there. I am sure there are some patterns out there if you want them! It doesn't have to look pretty - as long as it gets the job done!
So, there is my first Earth Friendly post - I will keep them coming on Mondays! If anyone has any ideas they use, please feel free to share them. Stay warm on these first few days of chilly Spring (it's currently flurrying here!).
For some more information about plastic bags and their impact, visit : http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1499
5 comments:
GOSH, I just want to run outside and yell, "Hey, that's my daughter writing all of that important stuff - heed her advice".
Love, Mom :-)
Target has also started selling their own reusable bags...they are very small, though. Probably so they can make more money since you would have to buy several.
~Lauren~
I have noticed that a lot of the bags stores sell are really tiny and I agree it's totally so they can make more money! As is the ways of 'the Man' - haha. Whole Foods bags are pretty big and my Lowe's bag is huge - I only needed 2 when it was just me.
Ashley,
You can also make bags out of old t-shirts. Martha had this on her show. The handles are the arms, with sleeves cut out, the neck is cut in a u shape, and the bottom is sewn together and reinforced. I am sure her website gives good instructions. This is a great way of not wasting one of your old and favorite t's. By the way I worked with you mother and she always sang your praises for being an outstanding daugther.
Sonya
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