Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Three R Thursday #5 - BYOB Movement

No, I am not talking about beer - although a beer does sound good right about now. I am talking about BAGS. Specifically, plastic bags.


I know - I know, I've had this discussion before, but now I'm a little mad (you should know, it takes a lot to make me mad). It seems that China has surpassed our Green initiatives, and just last month banned all plastic bags. Come on now - can't we move ahead of them in something?

Thankfully, supermarkets like Whole Foods, is taking on this challenge. By Earth Day 2008, all Whole Foods markets will no longer offer plastic bags as an option.

I am not saying you have to go out and buy a dozen reusable bags. I'm guessing you already have several canvas totes lying around and probably your own stash of plastic bags you could reuse.

Let's review a view facts: (provided by Reusable Bags)
  • According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. goes through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually. An estimated 12 million barrels of oil is required to make that many plastic bags.
  • Plastic bags cause over 100,000 sea turtle and other marine animal deaths every year when animals mistake them for food.
  • The average family accumulates 60 plastic bags in only four trips to the grocery store.
Whew - I'm a little worn out from my rant. I don't often take such a strong stand on things, but I guess everyone needs a cause. I just think reusing bags is such a simple fix. If you are looking for a way to make a small change - this would be a great way to make a huge impact. Thank you for indulging me.

Take a look at some Bloggers making a difference. They're writing about small changes having a big impact on REDUCING, REUSING and RECYCLING.
  • Great news for Croc lovers! They are now recyclable. GreenStyle Mom has written about the program here.
  • Design Mom shares information she found on a creative way to reuse tin cans.
Click here to read previous Three R Thursday posts.



1 comments:

GreenStyleMom said...

Good post! Thanks for the link!

Often reusable bag users forget that they can and should be using their own bags at other stores also - clothing stores, book stores, outdoor stores, etc.