all of the major stores in this area just offer plastic but I get paper when I go to the commisary. i can use the paper bags for starting the grill in the summer.
Actually recycling is energy efficient in certain cases, i.e. aluminum. As for cloth bags getting dirty, I’m going to do laundry every week. Just toss one or two in the regular wash. Clean and no extra energy/water usage.
I read an article a while back that took into account the carbon footprint of the manufacture of all three types of bags. It turns out that the plastic bags are much more environmentally friendly, even taking into account the litter aspect. You would have to use a cloth bag 32 times in order to equal 1 plastic bag, and that’s only if you don’t recycle the plastic bag – it goes up exponentially from there.
I tried taking cloth bags, but the checkout -people didn’t know how to pack them. So I tried pre-packing them – all the clerk had to do was take them out, scan them, and replace them. They didn’t understand, even when I told them. So now I alternate bag on the belt with the items I want in the bag. It’s a little better, but I really hate the hassle. But I really hate the plastic bags, and there’s no paper bags at our store anymore.
I guess none of you live in Oregon. They’re passing laws left and right here about restricting plastic bags. Soon all stores will have to provide a recyclable alternative to plastic. I just went to Walmart yesterday with a neighbor, and they now offer paper. The only store left still using plastic that I know of.
Plastic grocery bags that find there way to the ocean kill Seaturtles.The baks resemble jellyfish to Seaturtles, and Seaturtles eat jellyfish. Plastic grocery bags are indigestible. The Seaturtles die of starvation after the bags block the turtles colon.
Plastic bags are banned in my city. If you don’t bring your own bag the store is forced by law to charge you five cents for a paper bag. I have been using my own bags since way before it became a law and do not have to think twice before grabbing them from the car.
I use cloth bags and often offer to pack them myself.As to cloth bags being dirty..if you are using them for canned or boxed items, the outside of the packages protect what you put in the bag.I launder my cloth bags. When they get too worn or tattered, I retire them from carrying groceries but still use them to carry other things: bird seed, muddy shoes, plants from the nursery, etc.
Say What Now‽ Premium Member about 11 years ago
In the large stores around here it’s all plastic. In some of these stores there’s a 5 cent charge per bag.
jeanie5448 about 11 years ago
all of the major stores in this area just offer plastic but I get paper when I go to the commisary. i can use the paper bags for starting the grill in the summer.
Bontebok about 11 years ago
Actually recycling is energy efficient in certain cases, i.e. aluminum. As for cloth bags getting dirty, I’m going to do laundry every week. Just toss one or two in the regular wash. Clean and no extra energy/water usage.
YatInExile about 11 years ago
There’s a store on the way home from work that actually offers “paper or plastic.” I get paper bags b/c they’re more useful, hold more groceries, etc.
lindaf about 11 years ago
We have to get paper. One of our cats eats plastic bags.
JanLC about 11 years ago
I read an article a while back that took into account the carbon footprint of the manufacture of all three types of bags. It turns out that the plastic bags are much more environmentally friendly, even taking into account the litter aspect. You would have to use a cloth bag 32 times in order to equal 1 plastic bag, and that’s only if you don’t recycle the plastic bag – it goes up exponentially from there.
celeconecca about 11 years ago
I tried taking cloth bags, but the checkout -people didn’t know how to pack them. So I tried pre-packing them – all the clerk had to do was take them out, scan them, and replace them. They didn’t understand, even when I told them. So now I alternate bag on the belt with the items I want in the bag. It’s a little better, but I really hate the hassle. But I really hate the plastic bags, and there’s no paper bags at our store anymore.
BJIllistrated Premium Member about 11 years ago
I guess none of you live in Oregon. They’re passing laws left and right here about restricting plastic bags. Soon all stores will have to provide a recyclable alternative to plastic. I just went to Walmart yesterday with a neighbor, and they now offer paper. The only store left still using plastic that I know of.
sbchamp about 11 years ago
Saw these two yesterday @ the flea market, fightin’ over a parking space. Bwaha!
Happy, happy, happy!!! Premium Member about 11 years ago
Plastic grocery bags that find there way to the ocean kill Seaturtles.The baks resemble jellyfish to Seaturtles, and Seaturtles eat jellyfish. Plastic grocery bags are indigestible. The Seaturtles die of starvation after the bags block the turtles colon.
nanellen about 11 years ago
When I lived in India, I had to pay for bags at the grocery store unless I brought my own. Quick way to earn to recycle!
cleokaya about 11 years ago
Plastic bags are banned in my city. If you don’t bring your own bag the store is forced by law to charge you five cents for a paper bag. I have been using my own bags since way before it became a law and do not have to think twice before grabbing them from the car.
ellisaana Premium Member about 11 years ago
I use cloth bags and often offer to pack them myself.As to cloth bags being dirty..if you are using them for canned or boxed items, the outside of the packages protect what you put in the bag.I launder my cloth bags. When they get too worn or tattered, I retire them from carrying groceries but still use them to carry other things: bird seed, muddy shoes, plants from the nursery, etc.