Do plastic bags multiply under your sink, spilling and bulging out excessively as you search for other supplies that once had a comfortable home there? Eventually are you so frustrated with the excess baggage (literally) that you toss all but possibly five or so away, just to reclaim some sanity in the form of space? If this is you do read on. . .

Plastic bags have actually been banned in many other countries because of the unnecessary pollution they cause. We as Americans use roughly 1500 bags a year per average family. Did you realize the problem was this big? As an American I don't like to think that we are a country that doesn't care or choose to be proactive. I know we all have multiple issues to deal with on a daily basis, but I also know we can reduce our wastes with little to no effort. For those of us not already in conservational habits they are painless to adopt.

First of all, we can use less of them. By no means am I proposing that you switch from plastic to paper, in doing that you're only trading one set of problems for another. Canvas bags are what I am advocating. In most stores that I go into I see canvas bags for sale usually for $1 a piece. Granted, they also advertise the store they come from, but they are totally reusable, the handles don't break, holes do not rip in the bottom, and just more fits in them. Most of us think of them when we grocery shop, but take them for all your shopping. If you would like to show off personal style you can also purchase plain canvas bags cheaply from a craft store and decorate it yourself. If you're not so crafty but still want something more stylish you can pick up bags that show your personality (they will be more than $1 though). If you have a business of your own this is also cheap advertising for you if you have your logo stitched or silkscreened on. If you do get some sturdy plastic bags reuse them the way you would canvas. Most of them I've seen are very thin and really not much good for this, but there are some exceptions.

I have multiple dogs and cats. And yes, I use plastic bags for their waste. So while I do tote my canvas with me (keeping empty bags in my car) I still do get some plastic bags at times. I have four cats and the litter box is cleaned daily. That means for that purpose I need 365 a year, not 1500. For my dogs I normally do buy their waste bags. They are smaller and I have never ended up picking up waste to find to my horror that there is a

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Ways to reduce, re-use and recycle plastic grocery bags?
We want to hear your view. Write now!