Make a pledge to use re-usable bags on your next shopping trip

 
Plastic bags are a major component in destroying our environment

This slide show from the Pocono Record demonstrates some of the atrocities that are created by plastic bags.

Although I have seen re-usable shopping bags available at many locations in PA, their implementation into society is far from par – more like double bogey. Other countries and many green cities on the West Coast are setting the example by banning the plastic bag altogether.

One challenge about the re-usable bag is the difficulty in remembering to bring them into the store. At times I find that I have left my cloth bags in the car or scooter after I start shopping. To prevent this from happening again I have started leaving the bags in a more conspicuous place to ease my forgetfulness. (Front seat, door pocket, or I suppose a purse for you ladies.)

Think about the American consumer’s typical shopping week: groceries, home store, department store, mall, take out, doggie bags, the list goes on and on. Keeping a few re-usable bags in your car/purse/scooter/bike bag etc. would eliminate a large quantity of your plastic bag consumption.

Rock-a-bye-Baby Kids in the Lehigh Valley has instituted a green initiative and offers a credit if you bring your own bag. I think this is a great idea and would love to see other local stores do the same.

Many times I will go into a store and the clerk is trained to give you a plastic bag almost no-matter what you have bought. Recently I was not paying attention and a single pack of gum was put in a bag - I had to fight back my “What are you on Mars?” look and tell them that they could save the bag for another.

A lot of times I see people walking with a bag they obtained from a fancy store and realize that they are proud to flaunt that they just charged way too much to their credit card. I just wish that they could have brought their own bag to save a tree or a gallon of oil and delayed the “look at me” joy till they wear the item in public.

I welcome the day when plastic bags are banned in the U.S.A. However, if you still must use them, make sure you recycle them into the containers that are at most large grocery stores.

So the next time your ready to leave your home, make sure you have a few re-usable bags on hand. The environment will thank you, not to mention decrease our dependency on foreign oil.