I have to admit that when I decided to make the switch over from using plastic grocery bags to bringing my own it took awhile to get into the habit. I would forget to put them in the car...or walk into the store and remember as I was in the checkout line. We do get spoiled with the convenience of the store taking care of this need But who pays the price?
Did you know that approximately 1 BILLION seabirds and mammals die per year by ingesting plastic bags? Unfortunately these bags which can catch the air like a balloon can travel for miles and eventually end up in our oceans, lakes and streams all over the world.Grocery stores are trying to help us by offering their own eco-friendly bags for purchase. I do see some people bringing their own bags, but I don't think the majority of people will until they Ban the Plastic Bags.
Tip #1 - Look through your closets, you may already have some canvas bags around the house. Throw them in your trunk so they're ready when you need them.
Tip #2 - If you live close to a Trader Joe's, take your bags there for your first time. They will enthusiastically welcome you and your bags and even throw your name into a raffle!
Tip # 3 - Buy a Chico Bag. This was my very first re-usable bag I bought. It cost around $5 but has been worth every penny. I've had this for over 2 years and it's still going strong...small, compact, fits in your purse or clips on your belt...genius!
Tip- # 4- Ignore the rude cashiers that seem annoyed that it takes longer to pack your groceries in your re-usable bag. It may slow up their line, but you are doing a good thing!
2 comments:
Good for you for breaking the plastic bag habit! I lived in Dublin for six years and right after I moved there, they imposed a tax on plastic bags to try and encourage people to stop using them. It was difficult at first but I eventually got in the habit of always having at least one tote rolled up in my purse. Now I live in France, and they don't even have plastic bags at the store! You HAVE to bring bags for your groceries, otherwise, you better have lots of hands!
Just tonight I finally used a nylon bag a friend gave me that I've been carrying in my purse but keep forgetting to use! I usually remember to bring bags into the grocery stores but it's department stores I'm really making an effort to get into the habit of bringing bags for. I keep them in the car at all times--just have to remember to actually bring them in! Thanks for the reminder.
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