Green Tips # 4: Use fewer plastic bags
Posted by DavidM in Green tips | 15 November 2006
Plastic bags are the scourge of our modern society. Convenient and usually free they are handed out liberaly to carry even the smallest items in shops. But they are an environmental disaster. Not only do they sit in landfill sits as they don't degrade, but they are also a hazzard for wildlife.
Wherever possible, do without a plastic bag. Shop assistants automatically put even the smallest items into a bag but if you can carry it without one, politely decline or hand it back.
In Marks & Spencers the other day I bought a sandwich and bottle of drink to have on the train. Although I could easily carry it the assistant automatically started placing them into a plastic bag. I just said I was okay and didn’t need one.
Shop assistants aren’t used to this yet but if people increasingly do it they will stop assuming everyone should have a bag.
For larger shopping trips buy a 'bag for life' - ideally not made from non-degradable plastic - and take it with you.
Some countries now deter plastic bag usage. Ireland cut the number of bags used by 90% since they introduced a 15c tax on each one.
And the island of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania, will now fine anyone found importing, selling, producing or using certain types of plastic bags $2,000.
Comments
Hello fellow Green Blogger,
Over at www.environmentdebate.blogspot.com we have a poll running that we would like you to take part in if you wish.
The question runs; ‘What do you think is the best way to tackle climate change?
Hope you have time to give your views on this very important issue.
:-)
The trend to bringing your own bag (and refusing store bags) is starting to catch on. Check out this website http://www.reusablebags.com/ which offers a great line of products as well as a bunch of useful facts and stories about the issue.
Great insight! I wish more people were catching on to the reusable bag trend!
Have a look at my blog - www.bringyourbag.com/blog for updates on the international effort to curb plastic bag waste!
