Bag That Bag
I thought I would take this Friday morning to admonish our readers a little: Bad reader! Bad!
OK, maybe you’re not that bad, but I bet you use way more plastic bags than you should. I know I do, and I’m pretty good about carrying around a canvas shopping bag. Reducing plastic bag waste won’t solve global warming or save the bald eagle, but billions of tons of plastic bags are thrown away every year, and they really don’t need to be.
In New York City alone, one fewer grocery bags per person per year would reduce waste by five million pounds and save $250,000 in disposal costs.
Oh, but won’t I look like an idiot carrying around a tote bag? Suck it the fuck up. Reducing bag waste isn’t about looking cool or joining a movement, it’s just something we all need to do.
This turtle will thank you:
God bless you, Kevin.
First of all, I think we all look great sporting our tote bags. Maybe a little less those ones that say “this is not a plastic bag,” but at least they’re in the spirit.
Secondly, I think it does make a difference not to carry plastic bags, if only in the indirect way of raising consciousness about the environment and the importance of individual choice. Plastic water bottles, too!
And thirdly, if I am found without one of my many trusty canvas bags at the grocery store, and I’m only picking up one or two — or three or four — things, I will often take the route of cradling them in my arms and walking home with my items on full display. That’s when I look the coolest.