Friday, July 16, 2010

B.Y.O.B. No Excuses!


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.

It's easier than you think to B.Y.O.B. to the stores! Here's some tips to get you started.
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:

Sara Louise said...

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!

Bear Chick said...

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.