Great Lakes Green Pages

When I lived in Portland, Oregon, there was always a choice when one went shopping. Paper, plastic, or neither. Paper usually meant fairly heavy duty bags, with handles, that could be used over and over again. They folded up nicely and took up little room. Plastic meant well constructed plastic bags that were fully recyclable or even better, photo degradable. That meant that they would break down in the sun, and if they made it to the landfill, they would often break down before they were covered over. Best of all was neither. That meant you brought your own re used paper bag, canvas tote, or even boxes. I even saw one mom who had three kids and used plastic totes. She packed her own groceries as they were rung up and when she got home, they slid into her pantry-no fuss, no muss. Now THAT’S thinking! Stores got on board, because bags cost them money. Most stores offered a discount for each bag that you brought in and re used.

Now we live in Cleveland, Ohio. You don’t even get a choice! First of all, I have only seen paper bags once in the 8 years that I have lived her. And the cashier looked at me like I was nuts, when I asked for them. So she proceeded to use them, but put each one INSIDE a plastic bag to “make it easier.” For who? Not me, cause now I have more plastic bags to haul back and try and recycle. Stores that do recycle their plastic bags hide the area to turn them in so you won’t do it. Granted, they are great for scooping out the litter box, but how much can my one cat need that? I could deal with all this, but they give you so many bags, that you would think they all had stock in plastic bag companies. No, my gallon of milk with a handle DOESN’T need a bag, Thank you. Yes, you can fit a couple more things in that bag, thanks. No need to double bag that dozen eggs, I am only going from the car to the house! Cashiers used to say, these bags aren’t very strong…Well, why are they using them?? Plastic bags add up. They use petroleum (that’s oil that people want us to drill for in Alaska). They often don’t break down, and when they do- it is into smaller toxic particles that pollute the water shed. They are rarely recycled (what # plastic are they anyway?). Because they are light, they easily catch the air and float off out of the garbage and end up everywhere.

Enough ranting…

Please consider using cloth bags. They give them away free at all sorts of events. They sell them at most major retailers. Heck you probably have a couple in the back of the closet.

If you have to buy them, don’t worry. You can get them in any size, to meet any need. They come in cotton, recycled plastics, organic materials, even hemp. They even come in designer styles. One of my favorite companies is Envirosac. These bags are hip and stylish and can be bought in a pack, where 5 cool bags rool up and tuck into the car where they ready when you need them.

The cashier may look at you like you are crazy, but next time just say, “no bags-I brought my own.”