Plastic Bags Should Be Banned In All Stores

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Plastic Bags Should Be Banned In All Stores

Somewhere between 500 billion and a trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide each year. At the supermarket check out you are given a choice - paper or plastic? The answer should be 'Neither thank you I have my own reusable grocery bag'!

Plastic bags harm the environment, wildlife and contribute to global warming. Yet we do have a choice and we should vote with our actions.



Why is it so difficult to get a reusable grocery bag and why are people still using plastic bags? You can do something about it right now. Get a Reusable Grocery Bag!

"Use a plastic bag for 30 minutes to carry your groceries home. It will be here for 1000 years."

Plasitc Bags Suck 

San Fransisco has banned plastic bags. Why can't the rest of us follow and get out those reusable shopping bags?

GOOD Magazine: Totes are Hot

http://good.is/ On March 27, San Francisco became the first U.S. city to ban plastic bags. The impact of plastic bags on the environment is well known, but what is not as widely discussed is that paper bags are harmful as well. Be a dutiful citizen and use reusable or compostable bags that dramatically lessen your impact on the Earth.

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Why Should Plastic Bags Be Banned? 

Why should we use less plastic?

  • To make a plastic bag takes non renewable resources such as petroleum and natural gas. Not only does this have a big environmental impact, but it also increases our reliance on foreign suppliers.
  • The energy used in the manufacturing on plastic bags contributes to global warming and releases toxic chemicals into the environment.
  • Hundreds of thousands of animals and marine life each year are affected - they suffer a painful and slow death when they accidentally ingest or become tangled in plastic bags .
  • Plastic bags can contaminate the food chain. Toxic chemicals from plastic bags may leach into foods, the sea and the environment which then in turn contaminates the food that we eat.
  • Estimates say that over one billion plastic bags are handed out per day. You can make a difference. Easily. Get a reusable grocery bag and say no to plastic!
  • Plastic bags go to landfill sites. What you have used for maybe 30 minutes will be with the earth for over 1000 years.

Reusable Baggu Shopping Bags Make A Statement! 

A shopping bag doesn't have to be boring


Baggu Reusable Shopping Tote
6-Pack




One Baggu holds the contents of 2 to 3 plastic grocery bags. Six bags can hold a whole cart full of groceries.

Baggu Bag handles are the perfect length: you can hold them in your hand, on your forearm, or over your shoulder.

They are made from super strong rip-stop nylon (holds 25 lbs) so they are light (2 oz) and compactible. They fold into a flat 5 by 5 inch pouch that easily slips in a purse or pocket. That way they are always handy when you need them.

Baggu bags have are designed to sit flat when they are filled (good for eggs & milk.)

I'm Not A Plastic Bag 

Make A Fashion Statement With Your Reusable Bag


Anya Hindmarch "I'm not a plastic bag"
(UK,US,JAPAN,HONG KONG. Version)



The ultimate designer reusable bag became a must have for the season. Designed by Anya Hindmarch this runaway success became so sought after that bags were being autioned on eBay for hundreds of dollars.

The I Am Not a Plastic Bag credentials were assured when it was chosen as the goodie bag give away for the 2007 Vanity Fair Oscar Night Party.

So grab your Anya Hindmarch "I'm not a plastic bag" and make a fashion statement at the same time as doing the right thing.

YOUR TURN! 

Plastic Bags Should Be Banned In All Stores

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Yes, you're right!

Mortira says:

Drastic times call for drastic measures. When landfills overflow, our governments must find new places for all of the junk we throw away everyday. I think they have a right - and a responsibility - to ban unnecessary garbage! I don't mind paying extra - what good is money if your planet is too polluted to live on?

Mortira says:

Drastic times call for drastic measures. When landfills start to overflow, it's our governments that have to decide what to do with all of the things we throw out everyday. I think they have every right - and responsibility - to ban unnecessary garbage. I'm not worried about cost - what good is money if the Earth is too polluted to live on?

Tammyrf says:

I agree! Plastic bags are an eyesore and a waste. I see them every where stuck in trees littering the environment. I hate to think of all the animals that are being killed from the bags that end up in the ocean. It's so easy to bring you own.
Check out my hand made bags on my lens.

Grendyl says:

Product packaging (when recycled) weighs at least half of what the world buys.

jacquelinestone says:

Yes. It's time for all of us to grow up and care more about being responsible than having the convenience to throw everything away.

TheGoGreenBlog says:

I love Baggu Bags! They are perfect for me and my on the go lifestyle.

fireheart says:

Use reuseable bags or recycle the paper bags. The following appeared in the LA Times in Aug 2006.
"This is known as the Eastern Garbage Patch, part of a system of currents called the North Pacific subtropical gyre. Located halfway between San Francisco and Hawaii, the garbage patch is an area of slack winds and sluggish currents where flotsam collects from around the Pacific, much like foam piling up in the calm center of a hot tub."
Hellooo, much of what makes up this "patch" is plastic and covers an area of the Pacific larger than the state of Arizona.
Think about it!

ABCofMountaineering says:

I saw a clip on green.tv once, on a snowboarder wearing gear made of recycled PET, from her jacket to her board. I think we should encourage more of those.

gabriellejc says:

if they were banned then i'd do a much better job remembering to bring my canvas bags (or previously used plastic bags) with me. my brain would be rewired not to expect more plastic bags at check out.

gabriellejc says:

i know, i know...i just gotta remember to bring my canvas bags (or even previous used plastic bags) with me when i go to the store! i get so irritated when i'm about to check out and remember that i forgot my freakin' bags. ugh. but if they were banned then my mind would be wired differently, thus, i'd remember.

No way, Monkeybrain!

tandemonimom says:

Well, we need to phase them out but ... hmm ... I find it hard to support government intervention (a ban) on something that should (and could) easily be handled by social pressure. Stores and growing consumer pressure are taking care of it, gradually, but it is happening.

MoreThanMommy says:

We use the plastic bags for trash. If we didn't get them when shopping, we'd have to buy them; we need bags either way. I like the incentive approach. Really, unless we're going to ban all plastic bags, it's silly to just ban those for shopping. Why should the government (or you) decide when it's ok to use a plastic bag and when it's not?

FindYouLive says:

A bit of common sense is better than legislation. Just do your part. Personal responsibility has it's merits.

KimGiancaterino says:

I think it's better to charge people for bags and reward people who do the right thing. Our Trader Joe's holds a weekly raffle for customers who bring in their own bags.

JigsawForte says:

I like IKEA's solution: Charge for 'em! A monetary hit now is far more persuasive than an outright ban.

spirituality says:

Banning is too drastic. Some people will forget to bring a bag. Charge a bit for them, or only give them out if people ask for them.

stevecrenshaw says:

I have to agree with Oosquid because everything does not need to be banned. I have switched to paper but I am considering the canvas bags. I am a devout Christian and I am trying to get my friends to see this as a need. My grandmother used her own bags in the 1980's. I don't know why she just did.

coollikeme says:

I like the plastic bags. I reuse then for other things.

Oosquid says:

Why ban? Why does everything have to be banned? Ban smoking, ban this ban that.

Encouraging reuse of plastic bags makes sense but as paper bags are not offered as an alternative here (UK) I'd be snookered if I got to the checkout and forgotten to bring a bag with me, which is quite likely.

I use plastic supermarket bags for waste disposal, so they are not just used once.

 
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Want More Ideas On Being Green? 

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We can all make small changes to make a big difference.

The Carrot Reusable Grocery Bag 

A designer cloth grocery tote bringing fashion to the eco movement. This comfortable to carry bag holds about three plastic bags worth of groceries. Bridge the gap between doing and looking good... As an added environmental bonus, SKN plants a tree on your behalf for every order they receive.


"The Carrot Bag" a reusable grocery tote bag with style



12" wide x 16" high x 6" deep

100% heavyweight unbleached cotton canvas
gusseted sides to allow it to fold flat and stand to pack like traditional paper bags

holds up to 40lbs. machine wash cold / drip dry

MADE IN THE USA

Reusable Bags Are Our Future 

Reusable Grocery Bags Don't Have To Be Boring! 


Envirosax Reusable Bag
Monochromatic #1




Reusable bags don't have to be green - well not in color anyway. There are styles to choose from which will make you stand out from the crowd!

I Am Not A Plastic Bag On eBay 

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eBay

Organic Cotton Net Produce Bag 

We don't just use plastic bags when we check out of the store, we pick them up to put produce in too. But there is a great answer - reusable produce sacks.


Organic Cotton Net Produce Sack, Large
Package of 3



These net produce bags are the next logical step in waste reduction. This is a versatile cotton drawstring net sack manufactured with SKAL certified organic cotton. These reusable natural, lightweight cotton bags are larger than the standard plastic produce bags found in most grocery stores. Bring fruits and veggies home and store them too. This bag is also useful for many other things. It can easily doubles as a carry-all (and kit packaging) for bath, beauty and gift items. Size: 12"w x 15" h. Each bag weighs .045 lbs. Sold in a package of Three.

Do You Think Plastic Bags Should Be Banned? 

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Making A Difference To The World 

Sometimes we get overwhelmed and think that our actions won't help - but they do. We all need to learn that it isn't up to someone else. We need to do something!


The Difference a Day Makes:
365 Ways to Change Your World in Just 24 Hours


This timely compilation features 365 simple actions people can take to change the world, one day - or even five minutes - at a time. Each suggested action, in 16 "helping" categories, can be started and finished in a day or less, and none requires a cash donation. Readers may choose to accomplish a different altruistic step each day of the year, activate the same tool every day, or take actions that address a personally favored issue, such as animal welfare, or the pursuit of peace. Possibilities for compassionate service include acting as driver for a battered women's shelter, planting trees or a garden at a schoolyard, recycling running shoes into a playground surface, taking a day off from consumerism, aiding low-income students in finding grants and scholarships, helping unemployed workers put together resumes, and much more.

RELATED NEWS: FODDER FOR ARGUING MORE 

UK retailers criticised over plastic bags - Last News from Earth ...
However, it is the responsibility of retailers to work with consumers to come up with innovative alternatives to help people switch from environmentally damaging plastic bags."Unlike Ireland, India, South Africa, most of Europe and parts of the USA, the UK has not banned or imposed a tax on single-use bags. But some retailers have been more pioneering than others with Tesco, the Co-op and Boots each producing their own reusable bags.The Department for Environment, ...
C-Questor Carbon Markets and Climate Change News Letter: UK ...
"However, it is the responsibility of retailers to work with consumers to come up with innovative alternatives to help people switch from environmentally damaging plastic bags. ... In April 2007, Modbury in Devon became the first European town to ban plastic bags as a result of a ground-breaking campaign led by Devon camerawoman Rebecca Hoskings. Supermarkets, meanwhile, have relied on voluntary action by consumers, but despite numerous bags for life offers, free plastic ...
N.C. legislature passes plastic bag ban for Outer Banks | The ...
He cited a study by Robert Lilienfield, editor of The ULS [Use Less Stuff] Report, that showed that the amount of packaging increased after the city's plastic ban was implemented ? customers failed to switch to reusable bags and ...
Philadelphia Council rejects plastic-bag ban | Philadelphia ...
He contended that instead of encouraging reusable bags, a plastic ban would simply result in a shift to paper, which studies show has a greater environmental impact. He said that the industry had made progress, nationwide and in the region, ... If they don't like plastic bags in the street, they're gonna love all the dog poop that people will no longer pick up because there won't be any plastic bags. Let's all switch to paper bags -- we have too many trees around anyhow. ...

Do You Use Reusable Shopping Bags? 

ecogreenbags wrote...

This lens would make a great addition to the Reusable Bags group!

ReplyPosted January 02, 2009

RolandTumble wrote...

I use reusable bags much of the time--I have several "tote bags" from my own CafePress shops--but I also reuse the plastic bags that I get some of the time.

ReplyPosted November 19, 2008

JaguarJulie wrote...

I've just heard some info about stores starting to charge people per plastic bag as an effort to make them think green!

ReplyPosted November 09, 2008

JaguarJulie wrote...

I love your lens and the message for us to be more green -- I know our household needs to get better at plastic bags but they come in handy for all the cat litter from the ferals.

ReplyPosted September 30, 2008

Mortira wrote...

Thank you for this great lens! It's great to see someone spreading the word about the evils of waste! 5 stars!

ReplyPosted September 16, 2008

 
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