Plastic Bags Are Evil
Why are plastic bags evil? Think plastic bags are great? Check out these 10 commons bag myths and talking points.They are made from plastic which takes 1,000 years to decompose, they are not recycled (less than 1%), they often end up in rivers and streams (see turtle below) and when they do break down, they do so in little peices which end up everywhere. Although not specifically for plastic bags, you may now use hemp plastics for so many uses from flower pots to toys to eco iPhone cases! You do have a choice...New site! http://www.droptheplasticbag.org/ Check it out!New site! Pocono Record Plastic Bag Picture Show Really good, check it out!Check out this article from the Sydney Morning Herlad about the Plastic Killing Fields which is basically a spot in the ocean about 2 times the size of Britain that is nothing but plastic and gargabe. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/12/28/1198778702627.html.
Two great articles from the Washington Post:1. Goodbye, Plasic.2. Graphic: Paper vs. PlasticCheck out this video of the problem. Lots more videos by doing a quick search on YouTube.Reusable Grocery Bag - Local DirectoryList of local stores that have reusuable grocery bags for cheap!
This link brings you to the Riverdale Park Wiki Page.
Check out these links for more information:
Just_say_no_to_Plastic_Bags - Good article.
No Plastic Bags Blog - Great blog about what is going on around the world to stop the use of plastic bags.
Plastic Bag FACTS:
Less than 1% are recycled!!
They last from 20 - 1,000 years
They clog up storm drains
They are made from plastic
Plastic bags don’t biodegrade, they photodegrade—breaking down into smaller and smaller toxic bits contaminating soil and waterways and entering the food web when animals accidentally ingest.
The following is from Reusable Bags.com
Your actions count! Here are some ideas, tips and tools we've pulled together to help you change the status quo and reduce the mindless consumption of single use plastic and paper bags. Our goal is to make it easy for you to take action and make a difference. So if you want to get involved we suggest:
.
Take a look at our Tips on how to cut down on your consumption of disposable shopping bags
Email retailers and politicians to voice your concerns. Our form letters make it easy to:
1. Persuade your favorite stores to offer bag credits for bringing your own bag.
2. Pitch government officials to implement a plastic bag consumption tax modeled after Ireland's extremely successful PlastTax in your area.
Give newspapers, radio and TV stations a "heads up" -- this is a story whose time has come!
Say no to Plastic Bags for School Lunches!
"Much of the trash we generate comes from the packaging on the food we buy, and lunch foods are no exception. In fact, it has been estimated that on average a school-age child using a disposable lunch generates 67 pounds of waste per school year. That equates to 18,760 pounds of lunch waste for just one average-size elementary school." (http://www.wastefreelunches.org/)
Laptop lunches offers a very groovy bento box "system" that has a carrying case which looks like a little laptop carrying case. Lina, my budding young foodie, loves it and love to help plan the menu for each day. http://www.laptoplunches.com/
There is a movement to have people stop using sandwich bags http://www.wrap-n-mat.com - Looks like a good idea and probably a good DIY project too.
Other reusable containers:
Lock & Lock 1.7 Cups Square container at HeritageMint.com
SIGG 0.3L Traveler Classics - Reusable Bottles at ReusableBags.com
Good old brown wax paper works as well!
.
Food Storage non-Plastic ideas?
Oggi Canister Set - set of four white ceramic and stainless-steel canisters, with locking tops and stainless spoons to boot ($25).
Anchor Hocking Glass Storage Dishes - oven- and micro- safe containers in three sizes; also available at Bed Bath & Beyond ($10-$13).
Ball Canning Jars - pint-size, old-school mason jars; also available in four other sizes ($11/12).
Wrap-N-Mat - reusable sandwich wraps made with less-toxic plastic that double as placemats ($7).
Co-op America - a short but comprehensive article on staying safe while using plastics.
Want to do a bit more?
Click here to help spread awareness with our new "Plastic Bags Blow / BYOB" bring your own bags" TM merchandise. Thanks for your support!
Belong to an environmental or community organization? Request that this issue be added to the group's agenda.
What do I do about picking up dog poop?
I want nicer bags and I'm willing to pay for it!
Envirosax Delightfully Pretty Reusable Grocery Bags from Delight.com
JUST SAY NO to paper or plastic--bring your own stylin' tote from b. happybags, Blue Lotus, envirosax.com (left), gethipgetgreen.com (far left), Reiter8, orreusablebags.com.
Not fancy, but with a message...
http://www.smallslices.com/index.html - Cool site with lots of choices
.
Make your own reusable bag!
Knit the Everlasting Bagstopper from Knitty
Knit a Lacey Grocery Bag from Italy from the Purl Bee
Crochet the Reduction Tote Bag from Crochetme
Make a statement with these eco-chic handbags and purses!
Escama - conversation-evoking handmade bags made from aluminum can pull-tabs, in four sizes ($32-$160).
HER Design Iris - inspired by an iris bud, the latest clutch from HER features linen with a recycled-bottle lining and comes with a detachable strap ($129).
Kim White - wide variety of supercute and durable bags made from vintage car seat fabrics ($115-$250).
Stewart + Brown Swans Crescent Bag - machine-washable hemp and organic cotton shoulder bag with a swan print, in two colors ($79).
Entermodal - made from materials such as locally sourced aluminum, these bags work as murses or purses; available online in August ($450 and up).
Can we actually get rid of Plastic bags?
.