Have you noticed the growing number of shoppers who are bringing their own bags to the store? They seem to be coming in many different colors, shapes and sizes. I’ve seen the retro canvas bags that were common in the ‘90s, slick bags with store logos, designer bags purchased on Melrose Boulevard, and even pocket bags that fold up into small pouches. There’s no escaping it – bringing your own bag is now “in.” What does your bag say about you?
I think the day will soon be upon us when some of us will be self-conscious about being seen with a bag provided by the store.
This fact came to me some time ago when I found myself at Nob Hill for a quick stop on the way home from work. Since it wasn’t a planned trip, I didn’t have a bag with me. However, I was just getting two items so I knew I could just carry them out. Well, at least that was my plan.
To continue following this story, it’s important for you to know that I’m a savvy shopper with a keen eye for a good deal. My wife is amazed at the things I come home with in great quantity.
If it’s something we frequently use, why not buy six of them when they are twenty cents off? … but I digress.
So – as I was walking through Nob Hill, without even a cart mind you, I spotted two or three additional items that I just couldn’t pass up because they were on sale.
By the time I go to the checkstand, I had five items carefully balanced in my two hands.
I was tempted – sorely tempted – to get a bag then and there – but I was embarrassed, literally embarrassed, to do so. So there your local eco-guy went, walking out of the store with an armful of unbagged groceries … burdened – but proud. Since that day, I pretty much always have a bag and always bring it with me.
How about you? Are you there yet? I’m not suggesting becoming eco-embarrassed to take an occasional bag or two.
What I am suggesting is that this is an ideal time for you to start a habit of bringing your own bags to the store. It’s one simple way to go green in your daily life.
And when people see you’re making the right choice, they’re likely to do it too.
It’s Not Paper vs Plastic
Please note that preferring paper bags over plastic bags is not necessarily the right eco-choice.
Both paper bags and plastic bags consume resources to manufacture and recycle.
Bringing a reusable bag with you is the eco-way to go.
Tips to remember your bags
– Keep reusable bags near the door.
– Keep reusable bags in the trunk of your car and put a small note on the dashboard to remind you to bring them.
– Purchase a few compact reusable bags that you can keep with you in a purse, jacket pocket, or backpack, or attach to your keychain.
– Put your coupons in your reusable bag.
– Make a new chore for the kids: remind mom and dad.
– Give a fun bag to someone as a gift and tell them why they should use it.
– Decorate your own bag.
– Ask the kids to remind you to bring your bags as part of earning their allowance.
Eco-Facts of the Week: Some paper & plastic statistics:
– A high-quality reusable bag has the potential to replace more than 600 single-use plastic bags over its lifetime;
– Californians consume more than 600 plastic bags every second.
– Less than 4 percent of all plastic bags are recycled.
– Plastic breaks down into toxic bits that take centuries to decompose.
– 14 million trees are used each year to produce paper bags in the US.
– It takes 4 times more energy to produce a paper versus a plastic bag.
– It takes 10 times more energy to recycle paper versus plastic.
