Say No to Plastic Bags

Plastic bags make me cringe. They’re given away excessively at grocery stores and markets with barely a thought as to how they’ll be disposed or where they might end up. One gallon of milk? Two plastic bags. Greeting card? Plastic bag. Fresh produce? One plastic bag for each variety please. Plastic, plastic, everywhere. And none of it (practically) is biodegradable.

Please friends, say no to plastic bags whenever possible. Bring your own cloth bags instead. Keep ’em in the car or near your bike. Take ’em everywhere. If you’re a business owner, give a discount to customers who bring their own bags. Some stores already do it. And some towns will even force you to switch.

If you’re already bringing your own bag, but would like something saucier than the typical canvas tote, check out reuseablebags.com. Like Patagonia, they’re a member of 1% For The Planet and their site provides valuable resources.

Of course, plastic does have its place and one solution is to support the growing biodegradable plastics industry — bags and utensils are already available. More recycling options and awareness campaigns would certainly be helpful too.

Action Alert: If you live in California please help support a legislative package of five bills (SB 898, SB 899, AB 258, AB 820,and AB 904) that target the growing amount of plastic trash that isfouling the Pacific Ocean and threatening marine life. Take action here.

[Video courtesy of Algalita Marine Research Foundation. With thanks to bringyourown.org for the link ideas.]