Question of the Week: What do you use: paper, plastic, or reusable bags?
Posted on July 21st, 2008 - 10:30 AMEach week we ask a question related to the environment. Please let us know your thoughts as comments. Feel free to respond to earlier comments or post new ideas. Previous questions.
Paper or plastic? We take shopping bags for granted, especially at the grocery store, and it’s easy to fill up several bags per trip. Both paper and plastic bags use resources, multiplied by the billions of bags used annually worldwide. You can reuse and recycle both paper and plastic types, which delays their being thrown away, or you can reduce waste with permanent bags.
What do you use: paper, plastic, or reusable bags?
En español: Cada semana hacemos una pregunta relacionada al medio ambiente. Por favor comparta con nosotros sus pensamientos y comentarios. Siéntase en libertad de responder a comentarios anteriores o plantear nuevas ideas. Preguntas previas.
¿Papel o plástico? Damos por sentado las bolsas al momento de comprar, especialmente en el supermercado, y es fácil llenar varias bolsas en cada compra. Tanto las bolsas de papel como las de plástico utilizan recursos, multiplicados por miles de millones de bolsas usadas anualmente a nivel mundial. Usted puede reutilizar o reciclar tanto las de papel como las de plástico, lo cual puede aplazar el tener que disponer de ellas. O también puede reducir los desechos con bolsas permanentes.
¿Cuáles utiliza: bolsas de papel, plástico o reutilizables?
Tags: paper bags, plastic bags, reuseable bags
| Permalink | TrackBack
Question of the Week
July 21st, 2008 at 10:56 am
We’ve been using canvas bags for grocery shopping for about 15 years. Since we fill up, on average, about six bags a week, that adds up to 4,680 plastic or paper bags diverted from the waste or recycling streams. Canvas bags are great. They’re virtually indestructible. They can hold much more than plastic/paper bags. They can be hooked onto your shoulder when walking back from the market. The young baggers are sometimes perplexed when I dump my collection of bags in front of them. But that seems to be changing. “These are going to be required soon,” some of them have now been saying. “Well, I’m ready,” I say.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 10:59 am
I try really hard to bring at least one reusable bag into the store with me; I have a variety of canvas and string bags so I always have some in the car–remembering to grab one as I leave the car is the trouble.
On those occasions that I don’t remember to bring my own, I take paper bags if they are available, plastic if I must; whatever the type, it goes into the recycle bin as soon as I empty it at home. I hate to see all those plastic bags that “adorn” the trees and brush along our roadways.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:36 am
reusable for sure! they hold way more and are much easier to use if you’re carting them around on public transportation.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:36 am
I have purchased about a dozen of the reusable bags at my local grocer. When I mentioned to them my trouble is remembering to bring them into the store each time they gave me a sticker. It is a removable cling sticker you put on the glass of your car window. When you exit the driver side door each time you are reminded to bring in your bags. This is a great reminder to Go Green. Thank you to Publix supermarkets for providing the reminder sticker and reusable bags at a dollar each.
[Reply]
Kit reply on August 30, 2008 2:14 pm:
Amanda,
I had the same problem remembering, so I invented a reusable bag I couldn’t forget. It folds into a tiny pocket, so you can keep several in your purse. I liked it so much, I started a company and sell them online.
Keep up the good work!
[Reply]
Terri reply on September 17, 2008 11:08 am:
I also have that problem. When ever I forget my reusable bags in the car I just ask for my items to be returned to the cart. I then load my own bags at the car. A sticker is a great idea. Thanks
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:37 am
I use reusable and plastic which I then recycle
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:40 am
We use canvas bags from the grocery store and I am using my Macy’s canvas bag when I shop there. I keep them in my car so I don’t forget to use them. I noticed some sturdier bags being sold at the grocery store so I think I’ll invest in a couple of those. It takes a little bit of effort but I feel like I’m doing something good for the environment.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:40 am
Reusable canvas, they are sturdy, hold more and my grocery store credits 5 cents for each bag I provide.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:40 am
I use reusable bags almost always. If I forget my bag I will use a paper bag if I have enough items to fill it up. If I don’t I just place the items back in my cart without a bag. It took my husband a little longer to adjust to the bags, mostly because he would forget them. He now realizes the importance of using them
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:40 am
We use mostly canvas bags. If we forget to bring them into the store, we use plastic, then reuse them for trash disposal. The few paer bags we use are recycled.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:41 am
I prefer canvas bags, but on those occasions that I don’t remember to bring my own I take paper bags if they are available and plastic only if I absolutely must.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:41 am
We’ve gotten into the habit of using reusable bags for all kinds of supping — not just grocery shopping. Aside from the waste-reduction and other environmental benefits, they’re much sturdier and the handles don’t rip.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:41 am
If I remember to bring my reusable bags into the store, I use them, otherwise I ask for paper if it’s available. I hate the plastic bags…and I recycle the paper bags.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:42 am
I agree with Linda. Remembering to take the cloth bags out of the car is the hard part but we get tired to having to haul the plastic bags back to the store for recycling. The paper bags go in the paper to recycling. It takes effort to recycle in Texas because its not a priority so the recycling centers are not convenient but we persist. California was much easier.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:43 am
All 3.
I do reuse plastic bags (that I get when I make an unexpected purchase or when I forget my reusable bags) to pick up dog poo, which I think is an excellent use. I am reusing the bags AND keeping dog poo from entering storm water. Occasionally, I will ask for paper to be reused to wrap a package, or send school supplies to school. I do have 6 reusable bags made from recycled materials purchased from a large retailer. They are wonderful. They are large and don’t break.
I also specifically do not bag certain items, like milk, to reduce the number of bags that are used.
When I visit solid waste landfills (which I do often) the plastic bags flying around are always what I notice. I don’t think we can completely eleminate them, but we certainly can all do our part.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:43 am
I keep at least one re-usable bag in my car, but I have trouble remembering to grab it. Old habits being what they are, I haven’t developed a pattern of use with this type of bag. I believe as they become increasingly more commonplace, utilizing a re-usable bag will become the norm. Otherwise, I typically choose paper bags as they are my ‘in-house’ recycling receptacle. When it’s full of cans, bottles, etc. , I toss it all outside in the city provided residential recycling container for weekly pick-up.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:43 am
I use reusable bags as much as possible. At point, it helped me reclaim my kitchen. As a matter of fact, I run waste reduction program as my job and I have had reusable bags manufacturered from PET soda bottles a.k.a. ECOSPUN with Green Tips printed on the back.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:45 am
I bought four reusable bags for 99 cents each at my local Kroger, and I love them. These reusable canvas bags hold so much more than the plastic bags and are more comfortable to carry. I only need four of them for my weekly shopping trips for which I used to use more than 10 plastic bags. Sometimes I forget to bring the reusables to the store, so I end up with the plastic bags again. But I reuse or recycle the plastic bags as soon as possible.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:45 am
I tried for months to remember the reusable shopping bags. When my supermarket began selling them for a buck each, I decided that whenever I forgot to bring my own reusable ones, I would buy the ones for sale at the till. After a couple of trips, having to shell out several dollars each time for bags, my memory was jogged and now I always have them with me, it was just a matter of pusing the habit. More recently, an aunt gave me a trendy set of easily roll-up-able reusable bags that fit in the glove box. I use them for everything and no longer have the massive collection of bags taunting me under the kitchen sink.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:47 am
We try to get all plastic except for a few paper. We use the plastic for odd jobs around the house and the occassional dog poop while walking the neighborhood. We always run out of the plastic bags before then next grocery trip. We use the paper for lunches, holding paint can drips, book covers for the kids school books, kids art and science fair projects, etc. We never seem to have enough paper bags either. We have two canvas bags that we rarely have in the right place at the right time to use for groceries. They are usually in the wrong car and for the cost, make no sense to purchase extra’s to have in more than one vehicle.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:47 am
I shop at Whole Foods and they now don’t allow the plastic. I got some of their reusable bags and bring those with me every week. If I make an impromptu trip to the grocery store, I get paper and then use them to collect my recycling stuff in.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:47 am
Linda,
I also find that remembering the bags in my car was a challenge until recently. I was at my local health food store and picked up a small bag that wraps into its own pocket. The bag also has a carabineer on it that clips to your purse. It’s quite small but opens up into a nice size tote that fits lots of items while fitting over your shoulder for easy carying. It’s brighly colored and catches my eye as I grab my purse so it reminds me to grab more if I am heading in for a larger shopping trip.
I am definately a reusable bag person what ever type I have on hand (plastic, paper, canvas), they all get resused.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:47 am
Paper? Plastic? Canvas!
I’ve been using the same big canvas bags since 1988 - that’s 20 years, and they are holding up fine. They’re washable, they hold more than single-use grocery store bags, and they are more comfortable to carry. Most importantly, I have avoided wasting 20 years’s worth of paper and plastic bags - the materials they are made out of, the energy used to harvest and process the materials, and the greenhouse gases associated with production of that energy. I end up with a plastic or paper bag occasionally, and I recycle them religously.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:48 am
I use reusable bags at least 90% of the time now. My favorite supermarket has been selling reusable bags (made from recycled plastic) for about a year now, 79 cents each or 4 for $3. They’re a bargain and the bags are very sturdy and easy to handle. It’s a lot easier to carry in two of these bags by their handles than to carry 2 paper or plastic bags loaded down with groceries. Plus the bags are an obvious sign that you’re doing your part to reduce waste and use less resources. I still have some old paper grocery bags at home; I mostly use them to sort our recyclable paper waste, metal cans and plastic and glass bottles.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:49 am
Only canvas/cloth/recycled material bags. Organizations are always giving these away so I have a supply in my car, at work, at home and have shared any excesses with friends and co-workers. Most retailers are happy to use these bags, a few struggle, and I once had a checker at Wal-Mart absolutely refuse to use them. Fortunately this is not happening as often.
Aside from keeping plastic bags out of the waste stream and reduction in use of petroleum products in manufacturing, the benefits include no more blood circulation loss from the handles cutting into your fingers and no more broken bags before you get them home.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:49 am
My first exposure to this concept was during the summer of 1982, while living in Germany. I had to pay for a bag then, so when I went shopping, I brought something along. Both my wife and I carry reusable (canvas, recycled plastic) bags with us for all our shopping, and refuse bags to carry just a few items. From time to time it’s difficult to avoid (clothes shopping doesn’t mix with food-soiled bags !!). But it’s in the effort and consistency that culture change can be affected.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:50 am
I have a collection of reusable bags that I use all the time. I keep them in the car where I can see them. That helps me not forget. Occasionally I forget them and end up with plastic, which I then recycle. I love the reusable bags. So much more fits into them and they are much easier to get into and out of the car trunk. So far I have not encountered any resistance to them at the check out counter. In fact, I notice that more and more people are using them now. I think it is the wave of the future and should have come about a long time ago. Cudos to all who use them.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:52 am
Permanent bags! Oh…permanent bags! Thy time has come!
It feels so good to be one of the masses with my bag full of bags at the grocery…and no longer a big eco-nerd!!!
If I may suggest…more organic cotton content (in the world at large) in permanent pages, please…we are on the right track but those pesky pesticides persist in polluting!
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:52 am
I have several reusable bags purchased from my grocery store that I keep in the car and try to bring into all kinds of stores. The bags themselves are made from recycled materials.
If I forget, I will first try to not use a bag at all if the purchase is small, then ask for paper which is reused, and lastly plastic which is reused or recycled.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:53 am
I recently started using canvas bags for some of my groceries. I also keep at least one of these in each car so that they are available to use when I make those last minute stops at the store.
I do still use some plastic and paper bags, but these get a second life — storing recyclables, decorated as package wrap, package stuffing (vs. styrofoam peanuts), pet waste, etc. And when I run out the supply at the house, I have asked store managers if I could take some of the returned plastic bags. Yes I am still using them, but at least they are not ending up on our streets and I am not buying new bags.
And whenever possible, I opt not to have my purchased goods bagged.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:53 am
I bought a great bag that rolls up in my purse. It doesn’t take up any space. I tended to leave the others at home or in the car. The roll up is the easiest thing to use!
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:54 am
I have been putting all those canvas bags (and ones made of recycled soda bottles!) that I get at conferences to good use at the supermarket! Just like another commenter said, they are really strong and last a lot longer than the ones the stores sell for 99 cents. I keep one set of bags in my car and another couple hanging on the door handle to the garage so I always remember to use them. One small step to going green (but small steps add up!!)
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:55 am
I use plastic bags a majority of the time. The reason being is that I can actually reuse the bags when I am walking my dogs in order to pick up their waste without leaving it laying around on the property, etc. When the bags run out, I buy dog bags and then wait until the bags renew themselves and then use them again. I have purchased a reuseable bag for Walmart for when I do small shopping, like for shampoo or make-up or something that I can fit into the small bag.
So, I’d say a combination of plastic and reuseable.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:55 am
Reusable Bags
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:56 am
I use canvas totes or cloth bags I purchased for shopping. At first cashiers and bag boys were annoyed and shoppers behind me rolling their eyes, however, that is changing. Someone always needs to be first and over time others do not have to be shy using there own bags. I could not believe what a difference it made. Over time I was really cutting down on how many plastic bags I even had in my house. I always used paper bags sparingly. Plastic bags get recyled in my home for bathroom trash cans, kitty litter etc. I am getting to the point of weening myself off of those uses when possible. I am trying to just throw trash away and wash out my bathroom trash cans. This way I will not need to ask for plastic when shopping. You just have to start in one area.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:57 am
Almost always use re-useable and am trying to train myself to always use re-useable. There’s nothing good about wasting all those bags. Many stores are getting really accomodating about re-useable bags, even Target stores are happy to fill my canvas bag.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:58 am
Every time I go to the grocery store, I bring 10 reusable bags with me and it usually covers it!
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:59 am
I have used reuseable bags for 20 years at the grocery store, back when the baggers didn’t want to use them. I’ll admit that I wasn’t as careful when going to the drug store, etc. until recently, but have started using them just about everywhere I go now. You don’t have to go out and buy bags, I’ll bet you have several stashed in the closet from conventions or conferences you have attended. Keep them in your trunk and grab them as you head into the store.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I bring my own washable canvas bags or ask for paper if I forget them because then I can use the paper for kindling in my wood-stove (in the winter) or I can recycle them in my town. I steer clear of “plastic carrier bags” but occasionaly one gets by me and that’s when I use it for bathroom trash liners and then they go into the bin for ‘waste to energy’ (plant) in my town.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:02 pm
We keep 4 kinds of reusable bags in the trunk of our car for use depending on what store we go to. Some are generic for use in any store.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I select paper as much as possible. We recycle the newspapers inside of those paper bags. We also use them in the kitchen trash bin instead of buying plastice kitchen sized bags. However, our Walmart and Dollar General stores do not have paper bags available. Therefore, I also get a supply of plastic bags that we use over and over. Carrying lunches, swim clothes, extra shoes, etc. We also use them for lining the smaller trash cans located in the bathroom and bedrooms of our home. I rarely throw away an empty plastic bag until it is no longer reusable.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Reusable Bag or if I happen to have forgotten it then a paper bad that I make sure to recycle… avoid plastic at all costs!!!!
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I have reusable bags that I bought at my local Bloom (grocery strore) plus two that i bought at Trader Joes. They stay in my car so that whenever I go shopping, no matter where I am, I can use them. Sometimes, I forget and send a child back out to the car to get them. If I walk to the grocery store, it is much easier to carry food back in them then in the paper or plastic bags they provide. I don’t typically use the reusable bags at other stores, e.g. Target or Borders, but I don’t go there as often as I do to the grocery store. We’ve noticed a real decrease in the number of bags and sometimes we have to search to find a bag that fits the small trash cans in our bathroom or one that I can put my wet workout clothes in.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I typically use tote bags, although sometimes I do forget to grab them! I often collect plastic bags from family and friends to use as trash bags in the bins around my house and for the daily litter box cleaning. I also use them as a cheap and easy package filler when I have a box to ship.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Paper when I can but many stores dont offer it anymore. I think that the retailers should be forced to find a new type of plastic that can be economically recycled and stop using the type in the market now. They are not easily recycled and there is no economic value to them once they are used. at least teh brown papaer bags are 100% recyclable.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:05 pm
I usually have about 3 grocery carts per week, and use the plastic bags - periodically. I save all my plastic bags and take them with me when shopping, this way I do not use any more plastic bags. When they get to the point of no return, I use them at home to line small trash cans in the bathroom and then use for doggie clean up while on walks. The ones that can’t be used for those purposes, I return to the store for recycling! I love the fact that I get an .08 bag credit all of those bags I bring each week - Savings of about 32.00 a month!
So, I guess I use plastic, but not really……
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:05 pm
I use re-useable bags and plastic. When I am done with the plastic bags, I use them as trash can liners and kitty litter bags. I also take them back to the store and recycle them.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I like to use reusable bags when I remember them. If not, I use plastic. Why? I think paper bags are far more unsustainable than plastic. I know plastic bags are ubiquitous and often nonbiodegradable but you can recycle them into other products, and their production is less polluting than cutting down a tree for a paper bag. Everyone else choses paper bags because I think they believe paper is biodegradable and plastic bags are not popular, but really, it’s the opposite. Plastic bags - if you must - are more ‘carbon neutral’ than paper. Still, reusable bags - the best.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:07 pm
I’ve used reusable cloth/paper bags for 15 years as soon as my grocery store provided them for sale. That’s for groceries. I don’t carry them into any other store because I don’t know for sure if I will buy anything or how many I’ll need. I get the impression that stores like Best Buy or specialty stores (Mall shopping) would frown on me walking into a store with tote bags because they would think I intended shoplifting, but I keep the bags in my car to transfer to (they’re stronger), and recycle the plastic bags at the grocery store or at my own home as much as possible. Now that it has recently been popular for stores like WalMart, etc. to have their own bags for sale, I know I can carry my bags into those stores without any worry. I just make sure I don’t use them until the bagging step after purchasing everything.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:08 pm
I have several cloth re-useable bags which I use at every place I shop. I have been using these since YR2000 and refuse to accept any type plastic.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:12 pm
We bring canvas bags with us. The baggers don’t always love that, but we insist. If we have to shop for something unexpectedly and don’t have our canvas bags with us, we normally decline a bag unless we would actually need one - one or a few items, we just carry without a bag. We recycle paper and plastic bags, but even so, taking a disposable/recyclable bag is our absolute last choice when shopping.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:12 pm
I purchased the reuseable bags from Walmart and always use them when I shop. I usually get funny looks from other shoppers but I have been asked where I purchased them from others. I have used them for approximately 6 months now and they are holding up from use well. I wish everybody would use them. If I forget to grab the reuseable bags I try to use paper, atleast it is biodegradeable and can be reused in numberous ways.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:13 pm
We use a reuseable bag, and we have a large number of paper bags kept under the sink for those trips that will require more than one bag.
On those odd times when we drop by the store and forget to bring a bag, we will either (1) use no bag, (2) use a paper bag or (3) use a plastic bag, in that order of preference. Seattle recycles plastic bags (and soon will be charging a tax for when they are used) so when we do end up with plastic bags, those are gathered over the months until we have enough of them to bother to put into our recyclables.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:17 pm
We’ve been using store-provided canvass bags for year now and very happy with the convenience. There was an ‘adjustment period’, getting habituated to carrying them in the car and remembering them, but now it’s 2nd nature. The advantages are important: they’re VERY sturdy and we can carry more without worry about breakage; the fold and stash conveniently in the car; they serve many purposes including picnics, berry picking, carrying other stuff. It’s working out just fine and was a great idea. We even give clever designs as stocking stuffers.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I use canvas bags when I go to the Farmers Market and Trader Joes. Otherwise I take whatever they give me (usually plastic).
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:22 pm
For the past two years, I’ve been using canvas and reusable bags. It took a few months to make it a habit. After I put groceries away, I put my bags back in my car so I won’t forget them. I’ve started reusing some produce bags, but I’m not completely there yet. It’s an easy thing to do to eliminate waste.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Is this a self-selecting survey, or what? This sample indicates that nearly 100% of people use canvas bags at the grocery. Where are all these people? I see approximately 1 person every 3 months with reusable bags at the grocery. EPA, I would like to see an objective cost-benefit analysis of the paper vs. plastic vs. reusable debate that includes environmental impacts of production/disposal, consumer cost, jobs, etc. Congrats to all of the non-”Eco nerds” that carry canvas bags to the grocery.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I have a brother who has been big into recycling and the environment since we were kids and he has given me a collection of canvas bags to use… My wife and I use them when grocery shopping. When we have to, we use plastic bags but put them to use in waste baskets after we use them. We also make sure only to shop at places that recycle plastic bags as I am in construction and use the plastic lumber that they are made into. The problem is the people who can’t wait to toss something like a bag into the street in hopes that somehow it will dissapear. All that does is convert a convieninece into a mess that costs someone else to clean up or worse hurts some wildlife.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:46 pm
In the past few months we’ve switched to re-usable bags we’ve purchased at our local grocery store. However, we’ve saved all of our old plastic bags and now use them as garbage bags for our smaller trash cans. We also use them when cleaning out our cat’s litter box. I also carry a canvas bag with me when at a shopping mall or convenience store….every little bit helps!
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:46 pm
I have my groceries packed in paper bags, which I use to recycle newspaper and I use plastic from the grocery store for meat products and we recycle and reuse them for a variety of things in and around the house.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Good point… To be objective I would think the EPA or whomever should commission an objective study with major and regional retailers to actually see what the responses are. I got wind of this blog through a conservation working group.
I am by no means an “Eco-Nerd”, but I like the phrase captures the attitude of some.
I carry bags in my car (s) so that not only to protect our environment (I own a business that has one of those Adopt-A-Spots) but to keep them out of our open spaces.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:00 pm
I use plastic bags if the tops are tied (so the bags don’t empty and the contents roll around the back of my truck.) I also use paper, as they are pretty stable, (but the handles on the new ones tend to break off.) I switched to plastic because I thought that was a recycling use for milk cartons. I would think that canvas and re-useable fiber bags would be unsanitary. They would also be a PITA to cart around if you shop for any quantity on a bi-monthly basis and don’t go in daily to get groceries.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I use both paper and plastic and reuse both. I reuse the plastic bags for trash bags in my bedrooms/ bathrooms. I also use the brown bags as wrapping paper, absorbant for food if I fry in the kitchen, in the kitchen for a trash bags and to carry things from home to work/church, etc. with plastic or paper depending on the weight or shape of the items to be carried.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Only reusable permanent bags.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Yes - all three; like using the right tool for the right job.
We use paper bags with a plastic bag outer liner for groceries (great for reuse in home kitchen garbage can); a reusable bag (made from recycled soda bottles) for hardware and sundries and plastic bag for small grocery items and when we forget our reusable bag. The plastic bags help me save resources as I reuse them again for small wastebaskets, wet gym clothes and other various uses so that I don’t have to buy new bags.
Twice a year we donate excess plastic bags to our kids consignment store, which uses them AGAIN to package sales to their customers and reduce their costs. Any left over ones we place in the local grocery store’s recycling bin.
All in all, the 100% solution.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:13 pm
my daughter gave us christmas gifts this year in reusable grocery bags from whole foods. she also gave me a market basket in which i carry all my bags. so, when i go to the grocery, i put my wallet and phone inside my market basket and go into the grocery store prepared to haul out all my groceries in reusable cloth bags. i love it! after unloading the groceries, i return the bags to my market basket and put it in the back seat of my car ready for my next grocery visit. i have found, too, that i buy a lot less…don’t store things i don’t need…and thereby deal with less packaging in the long run.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:14 pm
In the past, we used paper, because it is a renewable resource, and we re-used them for trash. Now, we keep several cloth bags in the car for the groceries. But still, if we go to any other type of store, or use the other car, we end up with more plastic bags. We do re-use them for many things from packing shoes for travel to lining waste baskets. Our grocery store also takes them for recycling (I’m not sure where they send them).
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I have several cloth bags that I keep in my car and in my scooter. At first, it was difficult to remember to bring them into the store, but now it’s habit. My local grocer offers a $.05/bag discount for using reusable bags, so they have more than paid for themselves.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I’ve used canvas bags (mostly) since moving to Maine in 1989. When I forget to put them in the car I save the bags and give them to my local farmer so he doesn’t have to purchase as many for the stand. (I’m getting better th, last week I purchased a new bag to avoid the plastic.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I use reusable cloth bags — they hold more, they don’t fall over and spill contents in the car, the handles don’t break and they are stronger. And they look nicer. I get an occasional plastic bag for picking up and disposing doggie doo and cat litter.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Reusable bags, of course. I don’t use paper bags since if I store them to reuse, I’m worried about cockroach eggs that may be in the glued folds on the bottom… ew! I hate those ubiquitous plastic bags. China banned them (at least for a certain thickness). If the cost of manufacturing a similar bag out of biodegradable materials was equal to the current plastic bag then the problem would be largely solved (yes, anaerobic conditions in landfills impeding the degradation of the former materials is one lingering problem).
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:35 pm
We used reusable Nylon bags for groceries. I agree that the reusable bags are much sturdier and hold a lot more. Whereas I used to leave the store with 5 or 6 plastic bags, I now can pack everything into 2 or 3 nylon bags.
Thinking a step further, I reuse the small vegetable/fruit plastic bags by bringing old ones back to the store with me.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Fo rmany years I have reused paper bags: on my return visit to the grocery store (my grocer gives me a $0.05 credit per bag), for packaging materials for transport, for trash and weeds, and as a liner for trash cans. Plastic bags are reused over and over for taking my lunch to work, easy transport containers, and trash bag liners in the house. I plan on purchasing a set of canvas bags but will still use the others for liners as necessary.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:41 pm
“Recycled” reusables, for the most part, being recyled in that we’ve ended up with plenty of cloth bags from various sources like conferences - no need to buy any specifically for the purpose.
When we buy more than planned or forget, we typically get plastic, then either use them for other purposes (e.g. trash bags) and recycle the rest.
If only all the groceries would go to low-impact biodegradable versions, the impact would be further minimized.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Since I live in a country which permite the use of plastic, its easy to forget reuseable bags, so plastic often shows up at home. We are lucke that China, the worlds most populous country, has acted responsibly, in this matter, and banned them nationally. Just think of all those only-children carrying all of their purchases home in reuseable bags!
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Reuseable. But I have been known to stick stuff in my purse if I’ve forgotten to bring in my bags. Happily, I no longer “breed” plastic bags in my one cupboard (admit it, we all have that “one cupboard”) and have begun to whittle away at my stash which I use for bathroom trash can liners, doggy doo, etc.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:54 pm
I use a combination of all three. When I regularly go to the store I bring my reuseable bags, they carry a lot and don’t rip and I can throw them in the washing machine to be cleaned.
When I’m in a hurry, I’ll use plastic, then when I empty the plastic bags of all goods I use them as trash bages in the small trash cans like in the bathroom and bedroom.
I use paper to wrap glass bottles in and when we move I use them for packing.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Reusable bags, almost always.
On occasions when I need another bag, I take plastic and then reuse them as trash bags at home. I can’t remember the last time I purchased small-size trash bags.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 2:04 pm
FYI
Plastic bags make good substitute for packing peanuts in a pinch!
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 2:05 pm
We use the plastic bags which saves us money on the smaller trash bags for the bathroom or bedroom containers. The plastic bags come in handy for picking up poo from our 2 dogs as well. It usually works out that more bags come home just when the supply starts to run out.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 2:20 pm
My own bags. Crazy thing is grocery stores will put plastic and also fruits in bags if you do not want it to. It is the stores! They need to catch on too! We are doing the bags, some of us anyway!
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I have a big collection of reusable bags (canvas, cotton, etc.) given as “gimmes” from grocery stores and conferences I’ve attended. I’d like to see more free bags given out, especially those made from organic cotton. I was really pleased to get these at the last conference I attended. Although the majority of respondents to this blog appear to be dedicated to reusable bags, this is not the norm at the grocery stores in Dallas. I don’t believe the majority of Whole Food shoppers are bringing their own bags. And I’m often the only shopper in line with reusable bags at Central Market, Tom Thumb or Albertson’s. We have a long way to go to change shopper habits.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 2:50 pm
The store where I shop always has plastic, but I never see paper. I just go ahead and use the plastic, pack my bags heavy, and then I donate the plastic bags to the local bookstore where they reuse them or I use them to pick up after my dog.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 2:57 pm
We use a combination of plastic and reusable. When we make the weekly grocery store trip we bring the reusable bags. They don’t rip, carry a lot and can be washed.
When dropping by the store to grab something on the way home from work, I’ll use the plastic. We keep those and use as trash bags for small trash cans in the house.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 3:04 pm
The ‘link’ below was sent to me this morning, and I believe it is an appropriate “visual punch” to the question being asked this week. Plastic bags are so pervasive on our globe and so detrimental to unsuspecting wildlife, in addition to clogging our landfills as well as our kitchen drawers. Each one of us should do our part to eliminate this unnecessary “plastic pollution.”
Everyone on earth should see this. It’s that important.
And please pass it on-
http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080506/MULTIMEDIA02/80505016
Once in the slide show, use the scroll bar on the right side of the screen to scroll through.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I use reusable whenever possible. We as consumers need to train baggers to fill our reusable bags as much as possible. Most of the time they don’t fill the bags fully and try to send me home with at least one plastic bag..
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I use a combination of all three. I try to stay away from plastic but I reuse them as trash bags when ever I end up with them. I ask for paper occasionally because I use them for recycling newspaper/magazines and I try to remember to take my cloth bags with me when I do small shopping trips.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Reusable for sure!! if I forget, the items go into my purse or a paper bag if possible. I avoid plastic as much as possible. If only I could avoid buying groceries packaged in plastic!!
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 3:53 pm
We always leave about 6-8 reusable bags in the car for shopping. Not only are they good for the environment, but they are very durable and able to handle quite a lot in them.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Always reusable. I currently have several Chico Bags which are compact and very easy to leave in the car or stuff into my purse. Still have a hard time remembering to ask the cashier at many stores for no bag. The big conglomerate groceries have their cashiers auto bagging into plastic as fast as possible, there is no asking 1st. My local co-op started a take a bag leave a bag system with canvas and donated bags. Works well for a small local store, but how do we incorporate something like that for Safeway?
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 4:16 pm
We usually request paper bags, avoiding plastic whenever possible. Then at home, the paper bags become the bags we use for gathering recyclables (our recyclables need not be sorted in the area we live).
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 4:35 pm
All three. I try to use reusable bags, but occasionally forget.
I also try to keep a stash of paper bags at home for various purposes, so when I forget my reusable bag, I’ll opt for paper where available.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 4:46 pm
I visited Ireland back in 2002 (six years ago), and they were charging people 0.15 Euro per plastic bag. Why aren’t we doing the same thing here? I think they should ban them outright. It’ll only be an inconvenience untill the numbskulls realize that they they can use reuseable bags. Most of the time they aren’t even needed… How many times to you see people leaving a grocery store with ONE ITEM in a plastic bag? Just ban them already.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I use bags I got from Target. They fold up into little compacts. When unfolded they are quite large. I gave one to a sister in New York and she loves it. Each bag was only $1.49, and very reusable.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 6:19 pm
We’ve been using canvas bags for years, also, but the young baggers aren’t the most upset by them, unfortunately the retired “gentlemen” get downright perturbed! I do see more and more people using them, though, and baggers are getting used to it!
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 6:29 pm
We’ve been using reusable bags for more than 10 years. I wish checkers would understand how much they can hold. They tend to put in a few items and then try to start a new bag until I ask them to put more in.
We do sometimes ask for paper bags because we need them to recycle newspaper, mail, and office paper. Now I’m wondering how we can get local recycling systems to find a different way to put paper out for recycling.
At any rate, our local supermarket keeps buying smaller and smaller bags. It used to take only 2 bags to empty our newspaper container. Just now, it took me 4.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 8:04 pm
I almost always use recyclable bags - or answer, “No thanks, let’s save the resources”. I’m pleased to shop at a local cooperative grocery store that started a no plastic bag policy this year - they offer only paper now - and of course, your own reusable bags. I wish all stores woud engage in a public education campaign to help people understand why plastic bags are not a good idea and there are other very functional options.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:21 am
I use reusable whenever possible, infact most of the time used cotton bags when I make the weekly grocery trip.
But thinking come forward for minimizing the waste if it is compusary for the supermarket by assigning someone to collect the all plastic bags nearby the residential areas which can be re-used. It can be happened if governing body make a rule.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:54 am
Like many other bloggers, we’ve been using reusable bags (canvas and other materials) for many years at the grocery store. A few stores offer bags that are insulated to keep frozen and refridgerated foods colder on the trip home (although a friend of mine keeps a cooler in her car for that purpose). I recently discovered that the “fabric-like” bags and the wipe-able bags are made from petroleum products (with many manufactured in China), so if you are just starting out buy canvas.
I got several larger reusable bags, and I take these to other stores including the mall. Now that we’ve made a large dent in grocery bags, it’s time to take on other retailers to encourage reusable bags and offer discounts.
We keep all sizes of bags in the car so that unplanned trips do not yield more unwanted bags.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:15 am
Like others responding, I have used canvas bags since the early 90’s resurgence in recycling awareness. I see many more people using them, and the local grocery stores have displays right next to the check out. However, I see greenwashing all over the place and hope that this current push for the environment and sustainability will make inroads in the daily life of many more citizens. I do realize that we will not get everyone to recycle willingly, and some will never think of trash as a resource that we cannot squander. Let’s just hope that recycling remains a part of the daily routine in a wider spectrum of the population.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:37 am
I keep an assortment of shopping bags and reusable food containers in my car’s trunk. The bags I reuse are mostly plastic which I’ve acquired from prior purchases when I didn’t have a reusable bag to use, or I didn’t have any type of bag at that time due to convenience. My ass’t of bags are contained in a reusable cloth bag which is filled with cloth mesh bags, cloth shopping bags, standard plastic bags and a variety of smaller plastic bags including bread bags to use for loose produce.
The “to-go” container ass’t is in my trunk to take home leftovers when I eat out. I’d rather not get styrofoam or plastic, so I briing my own into the restaurant to reuse over and over again.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:20 am
When my son was in diapers, plastic bags were extremely useful for disposing of the stinky diapers. Now, however, we use reusable shopping bags. The same amount of groceries that used to require 7 -8 plastic bags fits into two reusable bags (this would not be convenient, however, if I was walking, but in that instance I have a little collapsible cart to bring with me).
Quite often I forget to bring the bags into the store with me. No problem! I simply ask the bagger to put all my items directly back into the cart, wheel my cart to the car and load my reusable bags there.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:27 am
That is a good idea, using reusable containers for leftovers. I have been wondering what I could do about the styrofoam I keep bringing home with me…
To answer the question, I am doing all that I can to eliminate plastic bags from my life. It is not easy to remember my canvas bags yet, because I have not been in the habit of using them for very long. But if I forget, I just ask for paper. Paper can go into the recycling, and I use it to contain the overflow other recyclables that won’t all fit in the bin.
Also, I used to use plastic bags to empty my cat’s litter box. Now I just scoop everything directly into my main trash bin, for which i use biodegradable plastic liners. (Ecobags, if anyone is interested). I used to line my smaller bins with plastic bags, but I never liked the way it looked, and my mission to eliminate plastic bags has justified my decision not to use them for that anymore.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:25 am
Looks like a majority of those posting comments are using reusable bags at the grocery store. However that’s now what I’m witnessing at the stores in my area. It’s an idea that’s got great merit, but getting people to change their habits voluntarily is obviously going to take awhile. In the meantime, as someone pointed out, why don’t stores get more fully involved?
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:26 am
In my previous comment, I meant to say “That’s NOT what I’m witnessing at the stores in my area”.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:57 am
I will use paper every time. Most people don’t realize that using plastic actually kills trees! I live in Florida which used to be covered by millions of acres of a renewable resource…the yellow pines. These trees were grown to produce pulp (for paper bags/toilet paper, etc.), produce oxygen which we need to breathe, and are aesthetic. When we switch to plastic it reduces demand for paper and, hence, trees. Therefore, millions of acres of timberland is converted each year to commercial and residential development (asphalt and concrete), which is a more profitable use of land. If you don’t buy this, visit Northwest Florida and see what’s happening to all the St. Joe Paper land around Okaloosa and Walton Counties.
In addition, plastic bags are processed from fossil fuels which we generally import. Reduced plastic use would cut back on foreign oil consumption.
Probably the most conservation-minded way to containerize our purchased goods is by re-using plastic, paper or canvas containers. But these need to be stored when not in use (possible vermin habitat, space requirements). Plus it cuts down on the “convenience factor”. Most people live a very fast paced life and cannot, or will not, take the steps necessary to recycle in such a manner. The truth is, the only type of recycling that is nearly cost effective is “at-the-source” recycling.
I close by stating we should incinerate this waste, especially in light of the realistic mind frame and life style of this country. Both paper and plastic are high BtU fuels which can be utilized to produce high temperature/high pressure steam which can spin a turbine to produce energy. The air emission controls have proven to be efficient in controlling pollutants such as sulphur and nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide/dioxide, dioxins, heavy metals, etc.
This has multiple benefits in terms of energy conservation alone. Carbon is recycled to energy, fuel consumption by vehicles (transport/workers) used to recycle materials is cut, and people don’t have to waste their time and energy on recycling.
When you consider the big picture (I wish EPA would), simple is better. Don’t complicate the process; that consumes more energy. Analyze the impacts of proposals by calories, not dollars or emotions.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:34 am
I rather use a canvas bag however its tough because of the fact that I don’t walk around with one in my purse…so when I go to the supermarket after work I have no choice but to get the plastic bags…but I try my best to fit all I need in one bag or carry the items in my hands…once again the idea of convenience is the issue
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:37 am
I use plastic bags, occasionally paper. But if stores required me to BUY bags, or bring my own bags for free, I’d bring my own in a heartbeat.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:52 am
I bought 6 Fold-a-Tote bags from my grocery store when they had them on sale. They fold to a small size, snap to store and store well. Since then, I have asked my grocerer several times about some more of these bags since they are much nicer than the standard canvas bag. When I just did a search, I found them listed in Europe but not in the US
What folks don’t realize is that they are much more convenient than plastic or paper bags. You can put MUCH more in one bag, and so far they have not torn even with heavy loads in them (try that with paper or plastic!). More in one bag means less trips to the car to get groceries in the house.
At first, I always forgot to put them back in the car (solved this by putting back in the car IMMEDIATELY after unloading). Once in the car, I would forget to bring them in the store. I have been doing it long enough now that it is just normal for me to pick them up when I go in the store.
Now that I am used to it, I cannot go back! Primarily for convenience! If people would get in the habit, it is really no big deal.
Works well everywhere I have been but Wal-Mart. The carousel bag system does not work well with your own bags.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I’ve been using reusable bags since 1997. My grocery store at the time gave $.05 for every reusable bag, and the same if one brought their own containers for bulk food, so I got into the habit of refilling glass jars instead of using plastic bags each time. Even though my current store doesn’t offer the incentives, I’m in the habit and it’s my little challenge. I often re-use plastic newspaper bags for fruits and veggies when I go to the farmers market and for wrapping up tupperware for lunch so as to avoid spills. Because wide-mouthed yogurt containers are not recyclable in our area, I’ve started making my own yogurt with soy milk in the regular carton that is compostable. We generate about one kitchen sized garbage bag every 6 weeks. Our recycling is about a milk crate’s worth per week. We definitely practice the the three Rs with Reduce as our goal first.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
We bring reusable cloth bags with us when we shop at the farmers’ market, grocery store, Target or hardware store. Sometimes we need to choose paper or plastic and we usually choose plastic. We then re-use these as garbage can liners and to pick up after our dog. Occasionally, we will choose paper and bundle our newspapers for recycling. I wish consumers and store managers would EXPECT us to bring our own bags and only offer paper/plastic as needed.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I use string bags that I crochet. I’ve made them for family and friends, and am now selling them. They’re easy, if you crochet you can make up your own pattern, find one on-line, or look at the patterns on the wrappers for Sugar and Cream cotton yarn, found at Michael’s and other craft stores. They take about 2 hours to make and cost $2-3 for the yarn.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:39 pm
We have a variety of cotton and canvas bags that we use when grocery shopping. We’re getting better at having some in each of our vehicles. When we forget we usually use plastic which we recycle. We have a small trailer in Canada and have cavas bags there also. The paper bags or crdboard boxes also work well when we recycle our newspapers.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Our regional Hannaford supermarket chain sold the best cloth bags - more expensive than other stores, but fold into a small square with snap fastener. Something that folds up or scrunches small (like a string bag - thanks for that tip Nena!) makes it easier to bring along a reusable bag, even carrying it in a big purse. I said the supermarket “sold” them since I haven’t seen them offered recently - maybe they didn’t catch on in our area. My family also collects some plastic bags though; did anyone point out how many uses they get put to around the house? We don’t end up bringing in too many to be recycled.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:24 pm
I carry my reusable bags in the car always. Sometimes I forget to take them in but if I’m carrying out only a few items, I use no bag at all. I’ll use paper if I forget.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:27 pm
I have been using plastic bags, but then I decided why not to pay for a reusable bag. So now I have two reusable bags for groceries that I have in the car. The rest of the groceries come in plastic bags, if they don’t fit in the two reusable grocery bags.
If you go to SAM’s you don’t get any plastic bags at all. I collect a lot of the plastic bags and I am wondering if I should take them to the grocery store and put them in the recycle bin.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:48 pm
I have been using reusable bags for about two years now. We use them when we go grocery shopping. The biggest problem I have encountered is when you ask baggers to place the items in the reusable bags, they do not fill them up and still try to give me plastic bags. For that reason, I usually go through the self checkout line, when possible.
I have found that I am more likely to use the reusable bags if I immediately return them to my car after unloading them inside. In the case I forget one of my five reusable bags, I try to either go without a bag or use plastic, which is recycled or turned into a trash liner in the bathroom.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:34 pm
I have a canvas bag (keep forgetting to take it with me); I shop at a store which switched to paper bags.
HOWEVER….I NEED PLASTIC BAGS TO DISPOSE OF MY TRASH DOWN THE TRASH CHUTES HERE IN NYC.
Why do the leaders of environmental mandates often/usually overlook practical considerations when coming up with these mandates. I now have to purchase small plastic bags to put my trash in. I recycle all that I can but I still generate small volumes of non-recyclable trash. Some people in my apartment building are shoving the bigger paper bags down the chutes, clogging them up. We now have a new problem that we previously did not have to contend with and now I have less money in my pocket because I have to purchase bags. Why can’t someone come up with biodegradable plastic (other material) bags?
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Here in Kotilk, our stores use paper bags, boxes and or some people us their own bags when they go shoping. We banned plastic bags from our stores.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Hi, Dan from NYC. There are biodegradable bags, like BioBag. Unfortunately, they may be a bit difficult to find in shops around town. Also, I heard it is difficult for these bags to break down in a landfill. I think the BioBag breaks down best in a compost pile (where there is plenty of oxygen to fuel the degradation process)… It sounds like you are quite conscientious about what you consume and throw out which is great! If you need a plastic bag or two to properly dispose of your trash, don’t fret. I am guessing innovation will eventually produce a solution to your plastic bag quagmire. Oh yes, to answer the EPA question, I use one of the many reusable bags I have at home. The bags that fold up into a tiny stuff sacks are my favorite. They are versatile and easy to carry around in a backpack, work bag, etc.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Paper–but we use the bags as our recycling bins and recycle them along with the recyclables. We eat tons of food, so canvas bags are hard.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:56 pm
We have our bags of bags. A natural fiber bag that contains more natural fiber bags is in each of our little cars, so we NEVER have to use petrolrum base plastic bags. In Northwest Indiana it was like a battle zone when you did not use the store’s plastic bags and used your own. You name it, the retailers did it but I agree that the benefit is worth the effort.
Petroleum base plastic bags are killers, period. These bags have been proven over and over again, to be a major threat to every living thing on our planet, in one way or another. They should not be used anymore. Please, ask your state, county, city or local government to impose a PLAS-TAX of fifteen cents on every petroleum base plastic bag that a merchant distributes and phase them out.
If you do have to use plastic bags, please twist them and tie knots in them. If you do that, they will not blow up into trees and when they are knotted, they are less of a threat to wildlife.
Let’s kill the bags before they kill our environment!
L.K.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Neither paper nor plastic is the solution. The solution is reusable bags. I think it’s so important for individuals to take more responsibility for the environment. I came across a neat website http://www.simplestop.net that stops your postal bulk mail and benefits the environment. It’s a great example of business providing both a great product to the consumer and a benefit to the environment. The same is begining to be found in companies selling reusable bags in grocery stores like whole foods.
[Reply]
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:55 am
I have two canvas bags and four mesh bags [made from recycled materials]. I absolutely love usiing them, they hold more than the plastic store bags, the bottoms and handles don’t split or rip out. I have been using canvs bags for about two years. The six bags can carry all my groceries for two weeks and are much much easier to lift & carry. I recycle everthing the recycler will take. Since I live in a rural area,my next step at going green is installiing a cleaning ‘creek’bed” so we can reuse the ‘grey water used in washing for wateriing the yard. I simply feels good to do a little something to conserve our natural resources and create a cleaner/healthier earth.
[Reply]
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:31 am
I use reusable bags.
I found a great vendor that makes a nylon type that folds into itself so that you can carry it in you pocket into the store. Also, they are easy to wash.
In fact, I purchase store plastic shopping bags for the company for which I work. After reading up on what plastic is doing to the marine environment in the Pacific (search Garbage Patch) and the coast of MD, we are now putting plastic bags with a degradable compound in our stores as well as offering Reusable Bags.
I am on a personal campaign to eliminate plastic bags. We are choking our oceanic wildlife and contaminating the ocean.
Why make something that lasts thousands of years that people only use for 10 minutes?
[Reply]
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:38 am
Its really nice and appreciating article because, in this the use and recycling of paper bags and plastic are mentioned, which create awarness to the youth.
__________________________
maks smith
Addiction Recovery South Dakota
[Reply]
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:44 am
Generally I use canvas, although some tellers still look at me funny when I request no bag. When I forget my canvas bags I take plastic and use them for garbage bags or bring them back to Wal*Mart for recycling. If I am just running in to get a few items I simply carry the items out in my arms, making sure to keep my receipt handy.
[Reply]
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:49 am
I have purchased so many of the reusable bags that I have lost track of how many. They are all over the place. Black ones, red ones, green ones, off white, a virtual plethora of colored reusable bags. However, I rarely get to the store with even one to put my purchases into. Nowadays, I just say “no bag” please. You would be surprised how many stores are irritated that I do not want one of their wasteful plastic bags. I have even had clerks put my stuff in a bag after I requested no bag. I end up having to pull my stuff out and hand back the bag. They stop me at the door and check my entire ticket with what is in my cart. I wonder if they realize that I would not be walking out with a cartful of stuff with my ticket in my hand, if I was trying to steal something. Wouldn’t I want to hide something inside a bag if I were trying to get away with something? Having a plastic bag filled with stuff does not guarantee that what is inside has been paid for. However, stores like the big chain that start with W and ends with t, have a policy that if the item is not in a bag, the ticket has to be checked. So, I rarely go to that store because they make being environmentally responsible a nusiance to acheive. I was really comforted to see that some of the posters have the same trouble remembering the bags as I do.
[Reply]
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:51 am
100% Reusable Bags, I have made a commitment to myself to buy another bag everytime (most stores sell them for $.99-1.99) I forget to bring one -and trust me, after I made that commitment I have never forgot. I also bring reusable bags for all of my shopping needs, dvd rentals, clothes shopping etc… there is never a need to use a store’s provided bag.
I would also say, if you leave near (within 15-50 miles) of a major body of water you should always use paper. For it will disintegrate better in water then the plastic which will often ends up inside the aquatic animals and birds.
[Reply]
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:53 am
The sticker idea is great. I do not have that kind of grocery store in Kansas, but I am going to try to put a green dot sticker on my car window to remind me to take a bag with me. Thanks!
[Reply]
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I still get some plastic bags because I have a cat and I use the plastic bags for cat litter. When at the grocery store I get paper bags and use them to take my recycling to the bins.
[Reply]
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I use plastic then re-use them by filling them with plastic containing disposable diapers and then throw them in a plastic garbage can liner and take that and throw it in the landfill so that 100 generations from now they can know my baby was pooping just fine.
[Reply]
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I use my packable-key chain tote bag most of the time. It packs into a small side pocket on the bag and fits in my purse or backpack. It is always with me. I also have canvas bags in the car for when I am really stocking up.
Living in Ireland I learned to take my own bags since the grocery stores are required by law to charge 5 cents per plastic bag. A great way to reduce waste and litter long the streets.
[Reply]
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:44 pm
I use all 3 but I’m cutting down on the paper & plastic. I purchased 2 reusable bags from Trader Joes for .99/ea and they’re sturdy and hold a lot more than the disposables. If you bring a reusable bag to TJ’s you are entered into a weekly drawing to win $20 worth of groceries.
I fill up a paper bag each week with junk mail and cardboard for recycling. And I use my plastic bags as trash can liners.
[Reply]
July 24th, 2008 at 10:55 am
If your house is already loaded with packing peanuts and shipping cartons, take it to a UPS store and they will use it again.
Used to be that some stores insisted your purchases go into their plastic bags
this was to control shop li8fting, however even they are coming around and now will let you go out with you own bag or none at all.
[Reply]
July 24th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I have been arguing with clerks who want to bag items that are already well-contained for years; why try to stick a gallon of milk or laundry detergent in a flimsy plastic bag when the original container is nice and sturdy and has a perfectly good handle? I used to gather quite a lot of odd looks when I said, “Don’t bag the milk,” but I’ve been persistent and the clerks where I usually shop don’t fight it any more. Training them to use the canvas or string bags is just a repeat of that process, but I’m sure I’ll wear them down eventually. I did find it annoying when I handed my bag to a clerk last week and he wasted quite a long while looking for the bar code so he could scan it!
[Reply]
July 24th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I have reusable bags that I keep in my car and if I have to use the stores plastic bags, I return them to the store to be recycled.
[Reply]
July 26th, 2008 at 8:52 am
All three and none:
Paper–when I need it for projects–recycled for wrapping items to be mailed, arts & crafts projects, etc.
Plastic–when I need it and at extremely unfriendly Wal-mart on the rare occasion I go there–recycled for small wastebasket liners, in substitute for disposable gloves to pick up things like dead animals, animal feces, roadside trash, etc.
Reusable–especially at Aldi’s, also freezer bags & cooler for grocery stores–but not at Wal-mart. As others have reported, Wal-mart door folks singled me out immediately for treating me like a criminal shoplifter, going through everything in my cart, especially when I buy bolts of fabric. The door security alert things didn’t even go off, but they still accosted me and treated me like a thief, even though I had paid for everything in my cart and had my receipt in my hand. I find Wal-mart’s attitude towards no bag/reusable bag folks very unfriendly, and rather ironic, since at Sam’s Club, their warehouse store chain, they don’t even sell bags and everything is thrown into your cart loose. Wal-Mart should check EVERYONE’s cart, not just those of us choosing no bags–their plastic bag isn’t some magical thing guaranteeing what’s inside isn’t stolen or that the shopper hasn’t hidden something stolen somewhere else on their person/kids/etc.
None–if we can carry it without any bags, or take it out loose in the cart, we do, especially at the hardware store
[Reply]
July 26th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
I use plastic bags since I never remeber any canvas bags before I go to the grocery store. I reuse the plastic bags for my lunch, childerns’ wet cloths, and just about everythiong I need to carry including my newspapers for recycling. About once a month I take all of the bags back to the store for recycling.
[Reply]
July 26th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
I’ve been using canvas or nylon bags for years, and have accumulated a collection of over a dozen now. Like Linda, I frequently have to fight with baggers on how to use as few bags as possible.
As a note to the policymakers at the EPA: in Ireland, they have banned plastic bags entirely. In many places, if you do want a bag, you have to pay for it. If shoppers realized that wasteful plastic and paper is not an entitlement that’s theirs for free, then they’ll start changing their bagging habits pretty quickly.
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 11:15 am
I use reusable bags for grocery shopping and recycle plastic and paper bags when I must accept a bag. Another idea is to share your (clean) plastic and paper bags with local resale shops…the ultimate reduce, reuse, recycle venues!
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I have some terrific reusable bags which also help keep food cold that I take into the grocery store and Walmart.
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
I now use mostly a reusable bag, and paper bags when I do my weekly grocery shopping. I still have some questions, though, and maybe others who post comments can answer them.
1. What happens to the blue plastic bags that I put my recyclables in after they get to the recycling center?
2. What about sandwich bags, etc? Can they be recycled and are they as bad for the environment as regular plastic bags?
3. I’ve heard that not many places recycle plastic bags. What kinds of places usually do?
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 6:57 am
I bought a couple of those re-usable bags, which I remember to take to the store every third time maybe. Our grocery store does have a bag collection site and if I accumulate too many, I turn them in there. I do re-use some as small trash bags in the restroom at church.
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 8:55 am
We generally have used canvas bags for the past year or two now. It started when I would go to events-fairs, conferences, etc.-where they would inevitably give me a tote bag to carry my stuff in. Not wanting to throw them away or give them away, we just kept them and began taking them to the grocery store with us. Now we have a collection of about 6 or 7 that we always try to bring with us. On the occasions where we forget, we get plastic bags, and then reuse them for dog poop pick-up purposes and as garbage bags–we haven’t had to buy any “real” garbage bags for over 5 years!
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 8:56 am
In the past year I have bought several reusable bags from various stores. I keep them with several cloth tote bags I have gotten from my membership to environmental organizations. I use them for groceries and mall shopping. The other day I used eight reuseable bags grocery shopping and received a complement from another buyer. She said it was the first time she saw someone use only reuseable bags for all their purchases. I told her how I keep them in my car all the time and she said she was going to do the same. I think the more people use reuseable bags, the more the trend will catch on. Besides, it’s cool to be “green”!
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 9:02 am
As with others, I’ve been using canvas &/or heavy-duty reinforced plastic bags(w/ handles) for about 20 years or so. When shopping and forgot bags, I choose paper over plastic and use them for recycling junk mail, newspapers, etc. or as trash can bags. I also return clean plastic bags to the grocery store recycling bin. One grocery store gives credit for re-usable bags.
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Canvas bags. I had trouble early on remembering to grab them, but once you get it into your mental model for a grocery trip, you can’t forget them. Worst case, I have a last minute errand and I don’t have my canvas bags, I’ll either use plastic and recycle them at the grocery, or grab paper bags and use them to hold shredded documents in my recycling bin.
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 9:29 am
I have several reusable bags, but like many, I tend to forget them. I have to admit to using plastic bags; however, I never throw them away. I use them at home. My cats like to chew on them. I save them for packing since I live far from family. They come in very handy mailing Christmas packages and other gifts. Since I’m planning to move soon, I’m using them to pack my household items. Much cheaper than bubble wrap.
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 9:58 am
I typically ask for plastic, which in turn are used to cleanup and dispose of doggie waste. Once I get a stockpile of plastic I use cloth bags that have been picked up at various conferences and meetings and then recycle the extra plastic bags.
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 10:02 am
I use reusable bags. If the order is too large and I get a plastic bag, I re-use that. I also save plastic containers and cardboard boxes to be used with animals I rehabilitate. When tha plastic gets too bad for use, then I recycle it. Plastic peanuts go to the UPS store. Most food waste can be composted or fed to the animals. Unfortunately, our trash hauler insists we use plastic bags - they won’t pick up loose stuff. Our family never has more than one can, but that liner bugs me.
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 10:46 am
I try very hard to bring my store bought heavy duty bags into the supermarket, but often forget. The reminder stickers one responder mentioned is a great idea. I have recently read, however, that bacteria from some foods may contaminate the bags. I always use an extra plastic bag for meats. But perhaps with the vegetable/salmonella situation, we should make sure all veggies are also in separate plastic bags. I try to bring a soft cooler for meats and frozen foods.
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I use plastic, but we recycle them, or use them for other things like lunch bags etc. We get the life out of them and then recycle.
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I have several permanent bags in my car. The problem is, I forget to take them into the store with me. Now I put them on the front seat of the car. The plastic bags are convenient for many other household uses though, like lining garbage cans, holding dirty clothes when travelling.
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
My husband and I use the complimentary cloth bags for purchases in craft stores, book stores, farmers markets, and some box retail stores. However, at the grocery store, we accept the plastic bags. These are then use as trash bags in our home thus saving us dollars on purchasing trash bags. These same plastic bags are given to a local 4-H program to use in its annual consignment sale.
[Reply]
July 28th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
In addition to the canvas bag, I always bring two or three coolers which I fill with chilled or frozen items. http://www.bceq.org ***ic**
[Reply]
July 29th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I use plastic bags with the intention to reuse and recycle them. They are handy, free and great for reusing. And, if I have leftovers I simply take them back with me to the grocery store to either reuse or recycle.
It’s very simple and green at the same time.
Thanks!
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 10:15 am
CARDBOARD BOXES! In NYC, I either have my shopping cart or the car. Cardboard boxes stack easily in the rolling cart, and are easier to manage than bags, to put in and take out of the trunk, and lugging up my stoop. Plus, of course, they’re often reusable, and 100% recyclable.
RECYCLE MORE! WASTE LESS! http://www.nyc.gov/recycle
[Reply]
August 5th, 2008 at 10:59 am
fabric bags are the best answer. Take 3 big beach size bags and make a difference. say no to plastic or paper bags!
[Reply]
August 17th, 2008 at 2:34 am
I don’t see how people believe what bag we use has any impact. Upon emptying the bag and removing the products from their package you then have a huge pile of packaging material, instant trash. The packaging’s only purpose is to entice people into buying what they otherwise wouldn’t, it can’t serve a second life like a bag does. Take Christmas for example, after children open their gifts the pile of trash is enormous, can we really offset that by not using a plastic bag to bring it home? This reusable bag thing was created to sell people bags, to sucker the naive into spending their money. People just want to believe that by not using plastic bags they are helping save the world as if it could take so little effort. If someone was truly interested in the environment they could force stores to remodel instead of bulldoze old stores or use plain simple packaging instead of wasteful product displaying packages. Or how about require manufactures to make quality products that have a decent lifespan, these China products we are forced to buy end up in the landfill at break-neck speeds.
[Reply]
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:04 pm
I use reuseable bags I got two years ago.
[Reply]
September 21st, 2008 at 7:20 pm
As a forester tend to go for paper to help the industry and tress are renewable, oil is now. If you need 6-8 bags how do you go with cloth?
Land For Sale
[Reply]
October 16th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Definitely reusable bags. I’ve read other messages here, saying it doesn’t make a huge difference in our environment to eliminate plastic or paper bags but it really does. It’s not about changing our entire life style and going green on eveything we do, it’s about the little things. Our population has increased drastically in the last 30 years, imagine all the waste! Using reusable bags is not going to change the world but it’s a simple thing that each person can do. So why not do it! All it takes is to make it a habit. If every person did just a little each day toward the conservation of our environment, don’t you think we can make an impact!
Also, for those who haven’t tried reusable bags, they are very convenient. They hold a ton more stuff in them, and don’t hurt the hands when you’re carrying heavy items.
[Reply]