Reusable Bag Tip of the Week: You're going to need a lot of bags!
If you're like me, you've been ducking into stores for holiday errands between meetings or on your way to/from the office.
If you're like me, you've compiled every last one of your folding reusable bags , and keep an arsenal by the door.
If you're like me, you're transferring them to the passenger seat of the car when you head out.
If you're like me, you're stashing bags in your purse each time you brave the holiday madness.
If you're like me, you're offering up reusable bags to cashiers at non-grocery stores who are completely and totally befuddled by your request (even though the store sells their own reusable bags!)
If you're like me, you're obsessed with reusable bags and have an enviable collection so you never run out (I make a point of testing all of the bags we sell). (full story)
Are Reusable Bags Really Better for the Environment?
Not too long ago the Wall Street Journal published and article called An Inconvenient Bag. The article talks about the reusable bag movement and questions this latest green trend. While the article points to many valid and important reasons to replace paper and plastic with reusable bags, the argument against reusable bags seems to have gained the favor of the blogosphere and led many to question whether this is just another case of greenwashing.
It's absolutely true that not all reusable bags are created equal. Some are made locally , some are made overseas, some are organic , some are hemp , some use pesticides, some are made from post consumer recycled materials and some are even made from virgin plastics that may or may not be recyclable. (....)
Thinking About Reusable Bags - A Message to Cashiers and Baggers
November 11, 2008: Some didn't see it coming, but the reusable bag movement has hit us like a big green tidal wave. Isn't it time for retailers to implement better training to effectively promote this important trend?
While it's up to the consumer to bring their own bag, cashiers and baggers are the next line of defense in reducing wasteful plastic bags. Whether it's the grocery store, the corner store, or the mall -- retailers are the key to breaking the plastic habit.
Consumers have started developing their own habits, like
returning reusable bags to the car after unloading them, storing
reusable bags near keys or writing 'BRING YOUR OWN BAG' at the top of
the grocery list. They might even carry a folding nylon reusable bag in a purse, pocket or glove compartment. (...)
Reusable Bag Fundraiser at Scarborough High School
November 5, 2008: Students in Scarborough, Maine Raise Awareness about Reusable Bags
Scarborough teens involved in the high school ECOS club will be selling 'limited edition' reusable bags as an earth-friendly fundraiser . ECOS, which stands for the Environmental Club of Scarborough, is an after school club that strives to heighten the local community's awareness of environmental issues and encourage more eco-friendly lifestyles.
The students held a design contest where they accepted submissions from fellow students. The bags have been printed with the winning design (--signed by "Brie" the artist).
Personalizing a green school fundraiser is a great way to engage students in the fundraising activity and make the product easier to sell. The goal of the fundraiser is to raise awareness about the use of reusable bags, and to raise money for the school's environmental club. The bags are high quality, reusable hemp bags made from a unique blend of organic hemp and recycled PET. The bags are a high quality cloth which looks and feels like linen. (...)
October 22, 2008: Earlier this week a survey in a USA Today snapshot poll showed some interesting statistics. Readers were asked how often they "Bring Their Own Bag" to the grocery store. Here are the results:
10% Always
19% Frequently
32% Occasionally
That leaves almost 40% who NEVER bring their own bag. It makes you wonder -- will the mainstream public ever catch on the Bring You Own Bag movement?
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