Last month I challenged myself to not use any plastic shopping bags. I think I did pretty well. The first week I was given a bag even after I specifically requested no bag. I know that such bags are disposed of when rejected, so I went ahead and took it home, knowing I'd at least reuse it. On several occasions, I found myself in a store without my bag. If I had several purchases, like groceries, I would run out to my car to retrieve my own bags. If it was just one or two items, I would just leave the store with purchases in hand. There were two instances when I didn't use my own bags but allowed the purchases to be dropped into platic shopping bags: when I was college shopping for my kids. When I shopped for my son, we were in his college town and I didn't even have reusable bags in my car. I reasoned he could use the bags for his trash cans. Same with my daughter; although we did shop locally, I knew she would need a few bags for lining her trash can as well. So, over all, I think I succeeded in my self-challenge and instilled some good habits. Just because the challenge is over, though, doesn't mean I will slide back into the bag habit.
To help keep me and my readers aware of the unbelievable number of plastic bags consumed on this planet, I've added a counter on the left side of my blog, courtesy of reusable bags.com.
If you have a second, I'd like to hear about your own bag-free experiences.
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6 comments:
Congrats on a successful challenge! To help with those quick shopping stops when I'm likely to forget my bags, I keep a bag in my purse. Now if only I could get my husband to remember.
Erin - my purse is too small but I suppose I could throw in one of the plastic bags I already have. And don't give up on your husband. It took me a number of years but mine's with the program now.
My daughter bought me a reusable bag for my purse that is quite small. It rolls up into its own little pouch and I get so many comments on it. It's purple. :)
Deanna - I've seen those light weight bags. They look handy.
Those are probably the same bags I've been using for about a year, I think they're called BAGGUs. I have a dozen of them and we use them for everything because they are made out of durable rip-stop, I ordered them from Amazon. I also use cotton mesh produce bags which are wonderful, and our library tote is a thick canvas bag that holds everything but the kitchen sink! Thanks for raising awareness on your blog, Cherie, every little decision can make a difference!
Rachel
Rachel - I'm glad I have readers like you who *get it* and who also spread the message.
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