Over the years, we have talked about this before. What do you use? Paper, plastic or re-usable bags when shopping.
More and more places have changed laws so that plastic cannot be used. I very seldom see paper bags at stores anymore.
Our state has banned the banning of plastic!!!!! Yep, you read that right.
Plastic pollution is a huge problem. I recently read an article in our paper that stated that around the world as many as 5 trillion plastic bags are used each year. That is over 700 per year per person!!!! That is absolutely crazy. The worst part - they said the average plastic bag is used for about 12 minutes, on average!!!!
They did a survey on several stores all over my city, and those using plastic was about 97%!!! They saw no one using paper and only about 3% bringing their own bags - most of those were at places like Trader Joes and Fresh Thyme.
I have watched a couple You Tubers who talk about being more mindful of watching their plastic use. They buy in bulk and re-use as many containers as possible - they use a lot of glass, and take their own bags. They show their grocery buys to tell of their savings - and I cringe!!!!!!
There upon their counters and tables - just about everything purchased is in plastic!!!!! Fresh produce, frozen veggies and fruit, meat packaging, containers of coffee creamer.............
I know that we all have to start somewhere, but my goodness, plastic is abundant in all we buy and do.
I guess, I start thinking about these kinds of things as each new year starts. What can I do?
I keep re-usable bags in my car 100% of the time - yet I often don't THINK to take them in with me. I got out of the habit, when stores went through a period of time that you could not bring your own in because of C19. I truly thought that was stupid. No re-usable bags, plastic shields between workers and customers - yet each one of us literally touched every single thing I bought, as did the bagger. Yep, that made no sense to me. But that is just my opinion - and I am getting off on a tangent.
So any way I got out of the habit of taking them in - I really need to get back to it. Buying in bulk can help a lot as well. If it is something you will use over the year - buy the biggest size and refill your own containers. That saves a few bottles from going in the landfill.
Lots of people use recycling services and turn in their plastic bags at the grocery bins. Sounds good in theory. I have known some people who work in these places and for these places - and tons of it DOESN'T go to re-cycling centers! It just goes in the trash and landfills. SAD.
I have handmade ceramic glasses and cups and glass glasses for company.
I just think that we all need to make an effort this year to really SLOW down the use of plastic. Buy in glass when you can, re-use any containers possible, make your own produce bags (use mesh or lace), take our own bags, and just be very diligent about watching what we buy.
Plastic is everywhere! On everything! If buying frozen items - maybe think about getting those items that are in boxes not bags. At least the boxes will breakdown over time.
Sadly all meat purchased at the grocery is not only wrapped in plastic but on Styrofoam as well (it never breaks down). Maybe find a butcher who uses butcher paper!?
I don't have many answers, sadly. I wish I did. We are really messing up the planet. Waste gets in the oceans and hurts our environment (the fish and wildlife). Our roads are littered and unsightly and again, we are endangering the wildlife.
I went out yesterday morning and walked the alley behind my house - what a mess. Today is trash day - and people set things out early - so pickers come by and go through things. That is fine - but they make messes and don't clean them up. People overload containers and then the wind blows, and junk blows everywhere. I went out and cleaned it all up - walked the front as well. Trash falls out of cars when doors are opened, and well guess what? Lazy arses can't bend over and pick it up!!!!!!! Grrrrr
I take pride in my neighborhood and just want it clean. I guess not everyone does.
I do ramble on. There is not a 'huge' amount we can each do - but there is a little we can each do. IF everyone did a little that would be a LOT!!!!!!!!! Be mindful this year of what you buy. Be mindful of how you re-use things. Be mindful of your trach and recycle.
Do you guys have any good ideas for lessening our plastic use. New ideas for recycling things? I am always wanting to learn new ways to help this world we live in.
REDUCE AND REUSE
Release anything that does not serve you!
The local grocery store went plastic bagless this past year. I use an 18x12x10" reusable plastic bin to bring groceries home & what doesn't fit in it goes into reusable fabric bags. I also use reusable fabric bags to put produce in. I've used this method for years long before reducing plastic use was a thing. Not only does it reduce plastic use but it reduces trips from the car to the front door. It's amazing the amount that bin can hold. The 3 R's are often cited. I learned of 2 more R's from another blog I read regularly - Refuse & Rot. On the occasion that I forget the reusable bag in the car, I refuse a carry out bag. Kitchen scraps go to compost and reduce garbage bulk. Silicone covers are used in the microwave to cover dishes. I use wax-covered cloth to cover some dishes in the fridge. To the chagrin of my son, I reuse clean foil to cover dishes in the oven. The municipality offers paper, tin & cardboard recycle bins but not glass. I often reuse glass jars for preserving. Take-out is at a minimum at this household as is on-line shopping. I think of the packaging that comes with those habits and cringe. It's a political, economic, social, environmental issue and I do believe that every little bit helps.
ReplyDeleteI like that - refuse and rot! I like the idea of a bin in the back of the car. I keep a cooler in the summer for cold things - but a bin is nice. I carry a large handbag (for this reason) - and small purchases just get tossed in my purse till I get to the car.
DeleteLove your ideas. I reuse foil too. Glass jars are great for leftovers and all kinds of storage.
I don't do take out either (rare) and do NOT order anything online. I am with you on that!
It sure does help.
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ReplyDeleteIt did start out as a solution - then generated a huge problem. Just so much waste. YES, everything has plastic - it really is disgusting to me. I know it will never go back - but I wish it would.
DeleteYep, those bags carry germs and bacteria (I launder mine regularly) - but so do all the hands that touch my products I buy - I shiver when I think what all might be on those containers!
I reuse everything I possibly can in any way possible.
I just think we all need to do a little to help.
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DeleteI started using cloth bags for groceries in the mid-80s. Stores HATED them (my first ones I purchased AT said store) and some REFUSED to use them stuffing my items in their bags "for advertising" I am certain. I would remove the items right there at the counter, put in my cloth bag and leave their plastic bag in front of them.
ReplyDeleteDuring Covid, I asked them to simply put my items back in my cart. I would pack my bags outside the store.
I accepted long ago that some plastic has to come into the house because manufacturer's use it and I choose not to live without some of those products. But, I buy my preferred organic shampoo in gallon bottles and refill the small in the shower. I'm hopeful that is a savings of plastic.
I think cloth shopping bags become a muscle memory. They are always on the backseat and when I get out of the car, I grab enough to match my shopping list. (I detest shopping so rarely am out for anything but food/toiletries/TP).
We haven't purchased soda in years so no plastic rings but when we did, I cut them so an escaped ring would not become a hangman's noose for an animal.
At this point, I think we do as much as we can and let the rest ago. I just can't raise my blood pressure about it, being angry at other's abuse of the earth. The only person that suffers, is ME!
I am proud of the effort we make in our home and our daily lives. Could we do more? Of course. I think nearly every human could do more. Like many others, I'm not willing to give up everything so I contribute to the issues despite my actions. Sigh.......
Sounds like you are making great efforts. I think we all do what we can. I agree - about not raising the blood pressure with worry - but it sure does frost my buns!
DeleteI like getting things in larger bags, bottles - at least there is some less trash being generated. I refill my bottles as well.
I like that about Aldi - they just put everything in your cart after ringing it up and you bag at your will.
We all do a little - it helps.
Great post and I agree completely. I've been working at reducing my carbon footprint for years with recycling, reusing, and refusing to buy overpackaged products. Lynn Ewing
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynn. I have too - I just think sometimes we all need a reminder. I figure the beginning of the year is a good time to try a few new things.
DeleteSo much packaging on things and it is mainly useless!
There is no sense in people being lazy and slovenly. Good for you cleaning up their sorry mess. Paper vs. plastic is an ongoing debate. Meijer does (or did) have paper bags but you have to request them. I need to check to see if our reusable bags are intact as they have been sitting on the back seat of the car in covid hit. Pre-covid I took a couple of Meijer bags in the Kroger down the road and the cashier refused to use them. Seriously?! Like Elise, I reuse the plastic grocery bags for all sorts of things. Jars, both glass and plastic, are reused. I have three largish plastic jars I'm going to use to put dog treats in. The bags with the closures are a bear to close and many times one side will come off the bag and not work at all. I buy a large bottle of dish soap at Costco and decant it into a small bottle for everyday use. Same way with some shampoos, face washes and body washes. There is a huge plastic recycling company just down the road on Rockville Road. They have bins out front for the average consumer to use.
ReplyDeleteWe are going to have some warm (for January) weather. The sun is shining which is always a lift for the soul.
Oh I reuse the plastic I get too. Got to get creative. I take other store cloth bags in - don't ever tell me no!!!!!!! I will walk out without my stuff - yep, I would. LOL
DeleteI love getting larger sizes and rebottling. I also don't run out of things that way. We have a metal recycle place close by - but they finally closed. Nothing much for anything else around here.
I love the sunshine and temps!
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DeleteEven if you do choose plastic bags it would help so much to reduce them if the cashier would put more in them! We had a cashier that put one item per bag week after week. This drove us crazy to the point of Hubby calling the manager. After that when we checked out the cashier gave is the evil eye through the entire checkout process. Somehow she knew it was us who got her in trouble.
ReplyDeleteWe use as much washable and reusable as we possibly can. We used to keep paper goods in the cabinet in the kitchen where we could just grab and use. A couple of years ago we moved them to the laundry room and never even think of them being available now unless we are are going to be away from home or sending cookies to the neighbors.
We have a huge litter problem in SC. We live off a country road and on any given day there are new bags of trash and cups and cans and bottles and even pizza boxes thrown out car windows with a thought or care. We can do better than this!
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DeleteI tell them - if I get plastic - fill them, I am not worried about weight - so they double the bags!!!!!
DeleteIt is crazy - I guess they have been given instructions - but it is so wasteful.
Throwing litter out the windows is just ridiculous! Seriously, my opinion is 'what pigs'. I would never consider doing such a thing.
I wonder what their homes look like??????
I'm a tree hugger, no question! Like Elle, I started with the canvas bags in the mid 80s and given death stares by many a bagger!! It's funny you should bring up the plastic thing today as my husband and I were having an annoying discussion about them on Sunday lol. He uses the bags for potty pick up. He wanted plastic bags at the market and I overrode him with our own. On the way out, I stuck my hand in the "recycle plastic bags" can at the door and handed him a fist full. He thinks I'm brilliant lol!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm really on a mission to avoid it as often as possible, but it isn't easy. I've been using dollar store lingerie bags for produce for decades. Can't beat 4/$1! Well, add a quarter to that now! I hate that every thing comes in plastic and I gripe about missing glass. Then hubs reminds me that glass increases the shipping cost and fuel due to weight.
I would imagine that there must be loads of ideas in Europe. So many small countries that it would seem necessary due to simple land limits for landfills, if nothing else. The U.S. is so big, we could relegate one state (say, California 😂) as a dump and still have plenty of room. (Don't get mad, I was born and raised there. But, there IS a reason I'm in Kansas now.). My friend told me that Ireland has vats of laundry soap to refill bottles. What a fabulous idea! But the downfalls are there, too. Only bad behavior that I can see, but that's rampant.
I have no doubt whatsoever that the talent to develop all the solutions is already tucked in labs all over the world, if they haven't already. But, I think that there are many financial reasons that they don't. Money controls everything. That said, I can only do what I can to help. Reuse, recycle, avoid.
Yep, money controls everything - you got that right. I just watched a You Tuber yesterday telling about their 'soap' stores in northern CA. She takes in jugs and refills for all different kinds of soaps. They even have 'old' used containers for people that don't have them. Love the idea.
DeleteI had to chuckle at your example of CA - some parts already look like a dump - no offense anyone!!!! The pictures of some areas are horrid.
Yes indeedy, I am sure European countries do things much differently than we do. In so many ways - they sure do have it going on!!!!!
We need to keep plugging away and keep trying - it is our only hope.
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DeleteHere in Oregon they banned plastic shopping bags a few years ago, and since they now charge .05 per paper bag, I refuse to buy bags, since I have a good stash of my own reusable bags. When I use them, they get returned to the car so no "I forgot my bags" excuses. I like not contributing to the waste. Erin in Oregon
ReplyDeleteI knew Oregon was one place that banned. I am sure some people were upset - but heck, if we all just take our own it solves all kinds of problems.
DeleteGood for you and thanks.
I have been using reusable bags forever. Still have my canvas bags from back in the 70's. I am guilty of not remembering or being to lazy to take them in the store with me. I also have mesh bags for produce. And yes I get the stink eye from store employees, so I put stuff back in my cart to bag at my car. I also think about the prepackaged hoagie rolls my husband likes and the prepackaged Chinese food we like to eat, it all comes in plastic. I reuse the plastic containers but I will be thinking more about buying these items in the future. I kind of hate the plastic containers.
ReplyDeleteIt seems so much of what we use is plastic - well everything in some form another has plastic in, on or around it. It is awful.
DeleteI hear you on the plastic containers.
Heck, don't let them intimidate you - use your bags in the store. They ban plastic, then give you funny looks for reusable. That is nuts.
Cheryl, this is why I deleted my posts, and maybe shouldn't be writing this. I don't see plastic as "awful". In fact, I view it as a life saving, thank the Lord for it, product. Consider a simple IV: all but the needle is plastic. My CPAP and Hubs are plastic and keep us from dying in our sleep. Plastics are necessary. Trash and excessive waste are(to me) different, but I'm fairly certain none of us here have enough actual trash to fill the rolling bins each week that waste management supplies. I just spent 22 years of my life in a state that (over time) demonized plastics... yet the beaches required volunteers several times per year to pick up tons of trash. Literally tons. And with that, I'll be quiet. --Elise
DeleteI gotcha! No problem. YES big difference in trash and useful. I guess my post was supposed to be about 'trash' as it was about grocery bags. Those plastic grocery bags will always be awful in my opinion.
DeleteI was trying to make a point of our daily grocery purchases and those darn bags. The stores package everything in excessive plastic and that makes me angry.
You make a very good point. Thank you.
To me so much of it is common sense as I'm sure you'll agree. : ) I save my bags in another big cloth bag hanging on a doorknob in my pantry. We re-use the plastic bags for whatever we need them for. I reuse containers, love the big mouth glass ones pasta gravy comes in. I reuse ziplocks as if they are a container until they aren't useful anymore along with my 'tupperware' type containers. Hubs burns a lot of trash too. When hubs goes to aldi he grabs a resusalbe insulatated bag and uses those, when we go to other grocery stores as wally and end up with a big haul we use the plastic bags but reuse them. Trader Joe's uses great paper bags and we reuse those too! : )
ReplyDeleteI love the layena bag! I need to do that! I've also heard of ladies making aprons out of those too!
You can also re-use netted produce bags to store potatoes in and hang so air can circulate etc. I use the little containers from little tomatoes for little gifts, like candy etc. for a little gift basket.
So many needs out there...So many things that need our prayers. I believe in being good stewards to God's green earth and also to His creatures and also knowing where my money goes as far as loving the unborn. Sometimes I cringe...when I see people caring more for earth as they hope on their jets as hyppocrites and are okay with killing unborn babies. I'm not saying this attitude is here at all, but it just makes me think of that. But I get what you are saying here for sure.
I hear you here, far too much waste. Yep, a disposable society for babies, little animals being dumped (we just rescued one last week from our road) people just not giving a rip. It's frightening the mentality out there. The coldness is frightening.
Good reminders here not to waste things. We need to be careful and look at everything as to "What could I use this for?"
Love your mug! Soooooo great! : )
So much of what you say rings so true, Amelia. We've been so blessed with the pup someone simply abandoned. The charity we donate goods to exclusively is for unwed mothers or those in bad situations, to help them keep their babies and get on their feet. "I believe in being good stewards to God's green earth and also to His creatures"... AMEN to that! --Elise
DeleteI understand where you are coming from. Tell me to turn off lights and not waste power, when you jet set all over the world in a private just! There are many people out there doing that - think super duper rich and famous.
DeleteTrust me I give a rip. So many things in this world disgust me to no end. It is revolting.
Good hearts and good souls can do a lot to improve this world. Caring for the lesser and helping when there is a need. My that would go a loooooonnnggg way!
Yes we all need to careful and just do our part. AND pray for the rest!!!!!!
Elise - every animal I have ever had has been rescue. Well, they probably rescued me - as they all found their way here. I love your Blue found you or you found her! What a great pairing.
DeleteElise, Oh how your reply was such a blessing to me! Thank you for your thoughtful encouragement. I was hoping I would not be taken wrong and when I saw your reply it was a relief. The little dog we rescued from the ditch on the 27th is an elderly little dog, it was so sad. She had so many fleas, looks to be half poodle and half terrier, a precious, sweet little white doggy with cataracts and looks like she has had puppies. She is soooo sweet, I just can't imagine the kind of person that dumped this angel. I named her: "Missy Christmas" : ) It was off the cuff at the vet's office when I purchased her 'flea pill'. Thanks again for your encouragement, many will not do that and I really appreciate you being so thoughtful, I sure needed that encouragement today. God bless you Elise. : )
DeleteCheryl, Yes, it's crazy the hyppocrisy we see isn't it? What drives me bonkers are people on one side who love animals and don't care about our precious unborn, and then you have people who go to church that don't care about how animals are treated and factory farming.. Golly bum, can't people just be straight up to the Lord on everything? : ) I know you understand what I'm saying...
DeleteI *know* you care Cheryl, your pets are like family just as ours are. We have five dogs and three cats, all rescues! : ) You are the real deal Cheryl.
I used to be a counselor for the Crisis (prolife Christian) Pregnancy center and now my daughter does that at the same kind of clinic, there is some crazy thinking out there. God help our country. God help us and deliver us from evil.
You are a blessing to me, Cheryl. I appreciate you! God bless you!
Thank you, Amelia. Hugs and pets to Missy Christmas! Poor little thing. We've believed that had we not taken Blue in, she'd have died. Winter weather arrived within a week after she showed up starving. I'm so grateful for all who take in/take care of the unwanted animals out there.
DeleteI'm also grateful to read you were a counselor at Crisis Pregnancy Center, and that your daughter has followed in your footsteps. God bless you both. And yes, I pray for our country and the world at large every day, too. --Elise
Thank you Elise, Missy is walking around in her diaper right now... *big smile* How long have you had Blue? Was it this recent freeze? Poor little Missy had to endure at least one night that I know of in the hard freeze...Oh my heart. Thank God ya'll took that poor darling in! I know God will bless, He sees all as you know. What joy these fur angels bring us right?
DeleteThank you Elise, God bless you in every way! : ) ~Amelia
Blue came to us on Oct. 20th, Amelia, and as we retired to the mountains of AZ, it snowed the following week. Near white-out snow on the day we took her to be spayed and chipped. By late November we had lows in single digits. By then she was up to a normal weight and had settled into her new life as an indoor dog. She's just now barking at Daddy to go out. I'm praying Missy will recover fully and grow strong. I know she's old, but love (I believe) is the best medicine. And yes, these dogs are such an amazing gift to us! --Elise
DeleteAmelia congrats on Missy Christmas. What a lucky baby to have you show up at the right time and place. I love that so many here work to care for those innocent pets that soon become family. Pure joy and unconditional love.
DeleteI love that you and your daughter work in 'crisis' management. It is so needed. You are a blessing in many lives. Thank you!
Awww... Elise, so glad Blue is doing so well! That is truly awesome. : ) Isn't it something how they are trainable like that? (or they train us?) lol I just love that. I'm working on Missy at least coming back in finding her way to the doggy ramp into the doggy door back inside after potty time. We have a small little doggy yard for the (two now) blind doggies to go potty. I call it the potty patch! lol She doesn't bark but will cry if she needs something. She's a sweet little thing. Hopefully we can take her to the vet soon for a going over, her right ear seems to bother her at times and don't know if she's been spayed or if it's needed in a senior doggy. ? I'm so, so so thankful Blue found his mommy and daddy before things got so very cold out there! Oh my goodness! I agree, Love is the best medicine of all! Truly a Gift. ~Amelia
DeleteCheryl, thank you! She's a sweet little thing and I can't understand how anyone could leave this little angel like that. I would think they could have left her at the fire department or the vet's office? But in a desolate country area with coyotes? Oh my goodness. My son in law saw her running in circles and called the sheriff's department to come and see what was going on...They were supposed to come and update and they never did! So the next morning we found her in the ditch...Poor thing!
DeleteThank you for your encouragement Cheryl, I don't take it for granted. You are such a blessing! : )
My sincere apologies to you, Cheryl, and to all. --Elise
ReplyDeleteElise? I'm confused!
DeleteI am confused as well - ELISE I don't know why you deleted your previous comments. We are all entitled to our beliefs and thoughts - I do not criticize any one for that. We do not have to look at things the same. Please always feel free to speak honestly here - I wouldn't want it any other way.
DeleteYou have nothing to apologize for my friend.
To you both, Debby and Cheryl, and to anyone else reading, I was struck that I should have remained silent on a subject that I have very strong feelings about. Too many years in CA. No offense intended to anyone from CA or the west coast. I've explained to Cheryl in a response above. 'Nuff said. Hugs! --Elise
DeleteOur state also prohibits the banning of plastic bags, which really annoys me. When Covid hit, stores wouldn't let us use our own bags (except for self checkout) so I had to use paper instead of my normal reusable bags. I actually find paper sacks with handles work well when I bag my own groceries because they don't collapse so I reuse them and duct tape them when they start to fall apart.
ReplyDeleteCrazy stuff isn't it? I mean, I wouldn't have believed it, had I not looked it up. Yep we banned banning!!
DeleteI do like the handled bags as well - instead of plastic if necessary. Not many places around here have them. I will just get back into using my reusables - I got so out of the habit when they wouldn't let us.
I always have my groceries put back in the cart and bag/box them at my car. I have an insulated bag that hangs out in the back of my car, a collection of cloth bags and a Hello Fresh box that I cut the flaps off and reinforced with packing tape. I have used the same item for 3 years. I do accept bags at Dollar General and the pharmacy. Those bags are used for household messes.
ReplyDeleteYou gals are smart. I would never have thought of placing products back in the cart accept at Aldi. I like that idea.
DeleteI reuse any plastic I get for trash as well or really nasty messes.
When I shop at Aldi I always load the groceries from the cart into the back of my van into my own reusable bags. But I often do Walmart pick up and in my state they still use the plastic bags.
ReplyDeleteI do that at Aldi as well - just never thought to do it somewhere else. I may have to try it in other places. I have yet to do the pick-up thing or delivery.
DeleteGreat blog Cheryl. I love reusable bags for shopping. The bin idea for carrying groceries is a new one for me. I have a storage bin with a cracked lid so I can repurpose it to try that out. I started buying shampoo bars instead of liquid shampoo to reduce plastic bottles. I am still getting used to it. I like your old drinking cup (and probably have some contemporaries to it). DH (who is known for wearing his shirts until threadbare) told me this morning that he put a tee shirt on the dresser that I can cut up for rags. Speaking my love language.
ReplyDeleteThanks. The bin idea is pretty neat. I have seen a product that is a collapsible bin that can be used too. But using what one has makes more sense.
DeleteNever have tried bar shampoo. Do you like it? That is something to consider. I do use bar soap more now that it is just me. I have liquid for guests.
T-shirts make great rags, hankies, you name it. I reuse all my old ones in some way. You are getting that man trained well!!!!! Love it.
Cheryl, I do like the shampoo bar. I didn’t at first, I was expecting it to lather like liquid shampoo which it doesn’t. It is more low-suds. It gets my hair clean, doesn’t dry it out and the bar lasts a long time.
DeleteFinally hit on the (hopefully) right way to express my thoughts. Ideology can become a way to praise ourselves for what we see as our good deeds. For best effect, that ideology requires a villain. Like plastic. As stated, (to me) trash is a separate issue from plastics. I'm grateful for what plastics provide. Plastic vacuum seal bags help me save loads of money in the long run on food, while vastly extending the life of meats, etc. I'm grateful for tall plastic trash bags to line our plastic kitchen trash can, keeping germs and mold at a minimum. I'm grateful for the tough, wheeled, plastic trash cans waste management provides for weekly trash pick up. I'm grateful for a clean toothbrush. Also plastic. For the reusable plastic hand soap pumps that can be refilled, and plastic soap holders for bar soap. I could go on and on. Mostly, though, I'm grateful for the plastics used in modern day medical care that have helped keep millions alive since the popularity of their use.
ReplyDeleteIt's all in how you look at it. --Elise
You are 100% correct. We all look at things differently and that is what makes the world go round. You touched on a lot of ways that plastics do make life easier & better in many, many ways. Those are fantastic reminders.
DeleteI guess my gripe is not so much the 'other' plastic in our daily lives as the grocery bags. They are just such litter in my opinion. Sure, they too can be used in other ways - and it sounds like many here do that. MANY people do not - they just into landfills and do not breakdown in any way. That is what makes me sad.
Yes difference between trash and good.
Cheryl, fairly new reader here. I carry my own bags to the grocery and only ask for plastic bags when buying fresh meat so that I don't have to worry about meat juices contaminating my reusable bags. When I go to the grocery I carry (what few I might have) coupons in an old envelope with the name of the store on the front (Meijer, Kroger, CVS, etc). On the front also is a note to myself that says, "Got bags?" I rarely forget my bags.
ReplyDeleteI use old envelopes and cards for lists and also for the 'coupons'. Not that there are many anymore. Most coupons I use now are digital. Yes, those bags are good for meat juices.
DeleteLike that "got bags?" Smart.
Glad to have you here. Hope you stick around and contribute whenever the urge hits!!!!!
This post went way off in the ditch for a while. But, I was irritated I forgot my cloth tote bags when I went to the grocery. I told them to put everything back in the cart. I always needed help loading groceries into the car, so I just told them to toss it into the front seat. When I arrived at home, I went inside, got my tote bags, loaded them with food, put them into my little red wagon, pulled them to the porch and brought a bag at a time into the house....more than one way to skin a cat! Tommy is against carrying in tote bags, but I will prevail. It may take the rest of my life, but you know he does pay attention to my cues. They will be in the car and he will start using them.
ReplyDeleteGood thinking. Yep, there is always more than one way to solve a problem. Tommy is sure resistant to a lot of things that would make life easier. Glad that he is finally coming around.
DeleteThere again different opinions. No, I don't think things went off in the ditch. Passionate, articulate and emotional conversation is never off in the ditch. We are all different and have our own opinions and that is what makes life interesting. I will not discourage that ever. Thanks
Oh goodness, Elise! I'm the one who should be e been clearer with my language. I'm a tree hugger in that I do what I'm capable of doing to keep this earth and us happy and healthy. I loathe seeing people litter and wasting things. I'm also a realist. I give a double load of blood every 4 months (my fat is finally good for something!). That requires a special pack at the Red Cross. It's about the size of a regular colander and has the whole kit and kaboodle inside. Plastic. There's no question in my mind that this is necessary and important both for my health and the health of the recipient. While I do ask for the pen they use to mark my vein cuz I hate seeing it wasted after its one inch drawing job, the guy who normally takes my blood laughs at me because I'm always trying to think of ways to use that plastic thing the kaboodle comes in! Swimming pool for gnomes? Paw washer bowl for my dog? It's an odd shape so it's not good for anything I've thought about so far!!
ReplyDeleteThat said, I hate those darn bags hanging in virtually every tree in Kansas! Just because they're available and simpler, I don't think they're necessary for everyone. Groceries pour out all over the cargo area because they're stupid lol. Just because something is legal and available doesn't mean I think it's a good idea and/or should be used/abused. I'll use water for instance to get off the plastic. I can let my faucet run all day if I want. Or I can turn it off when I brush my teeth. I was raised in The People's Republic 😂 so I was trained to save the water and shut it off. But if money was no concern, I wouldn't let it run anyway cuz that's just unnecessary, not to mention selfish and wasteful.
I love trees and nature and fresh water so I do what I can to protect this gift from God. 😁. I hope that helps.
Well said. I am in agreement - there is soooooo much good in this world from modern inventions and from plastic - but see absolutely no use whatsoever for those pesty plastic bags!!!
DeleteI so love we are all passionate about things.
Thank you, Debby. It comes down to... well... just being responsible. Don't litter. Period. In our whole mountain area you don't see those plastic bags in trees or along the roads, even though every store uses them. People here are pretty passionate about keeping the area clean of trash and debris of any kind.
DeleteThey're also mindful of water usage. AZ is a very dry state. This mountain area had an enormous wildfire several years ago and as you drive 260 to Heber/Overgaard, you can still see the results of it along the highway. Places where tall pines once were, but there's now open area and old, burnt tree stumps. It was a fire that was deliberately lit. Anyway...
...much love and appreciation to all of you for your patience.
--Elise
Debby, thank you for donating blood. A blood transfusion saved my life when I was going through chemotherapy. I've always donated every chance I got, but I'm not allowed to donate now. You never know how many lives you save by donating. Thank you!! Cindy in Alabama
DeleteHi Cheryl…late to the party but I would like to add a comment. For those ladies that are bagging their groceries at the vehicle, PLEASE be aware of your surroundings! Any bad person could come up from behind and do whatever, and don’t leave your purse in the shopping cart with your back turned! Be smart and stay safe! Judy in Anaheim, CA (one of those poor unfortunate souls who have to live here! 😀)
ReplyDeleteWONDERFUL advice. I never thought of that - but such a real problem just about anywhere today, sadly. Thank you!!!!!!!
DeleteHi Judy! I absolutely agree with you about awareness! I'm still very cautious and sometimes friends here will ask me why I do things. One neighbor actually felt insulted when she rang my doorbell and I looked out the side window before opening the door! I had to explain to her that you can take the girl out of Los Angeles but you can't take Los Angeles out of the girl.
ReplyDeleteI am cautious here. I go in the back yard and my doors are locked. They are locked while I am in my house. I never JUST open the door without checking.
DeleteHeck, I don't answer the phone if I don't recognize the number (seriously).
It's the end of the month as I'm reading. Such great ideas from everyone. Another thing, if you do Wm pickup, you can request they put your shopping into the reusable bags. Probably wouldn't work with a huge order but a few things.
ReplyDeleteI also have loads of reusable bags and mesh produce bags. I recycle all the plastic, tin and aluminum cans and glass. I use the cardboard for fire starters or in the gardens. I compost or feed to the animals as much as I can.
I do use ziplock bags and saran wrap but I reduce as much of the rest as I can. I cook mostly from scratch and we have our own meat, so that all helps.
And about being aware; I loop by purse strap around my wrist as I push the cart. I put my purse in the car before I unload the bags. I've scolded DH so many times for walking away from the cart & my purse that I just wear it now. I usually just take my wallet and phone in with me, with my keys in my front pocket. If I need to run because of "whatever vi0lence" I don't want to be weighed down with a big old purse.
Great ideas and thanks for sharing.
DeleteI am the same way with my purse. - I always wear it cross body. If doing holiday shopping, I take phone and wallet in separate pockets and keys elsewhere. If they get something, they won't get it all. It pays to be ever vigil today!!!