Just Say NO to plastic!

I received this link from a friend today, which was a serious reminder about just how important it is that we go cold turkey on plastic bags. http://current.com/green/89141407_plastic-is-murder.htm.

Did you know that the plastic floating around in our oceans and fresh water actually soaks in toxins? When it finally breaks up into tiny bits after 20-1,000 years, it's mistaken for plankton or other food and eaten by wildlife. So if you eat fish or other water dwellers, those toxins end up on your plate. The circle of life can be a bitch.

It's frightening to think about how much plastic is being distributed every second around the world, which has the potential to strangle or suffocate our animals, contaminate out water and food, and crowd our world as mounds of garbage heaps.

Perhaps toting reusable bags with a bit more pizazz will make you more inclined to use them... I'm not afraid to admit I fall into this category. It's ok, we won't judge! Hey, whatever it takes!!
Here are some fun options available at ReusableBags.com:


Gecko Trader Recycled Market bags - $23 each
Yes, I know it's a bit pricey for an empty bag, but they're made to last a lifetime and they do good too! They're 100% recycled from rice & feed bags originally used for transporting goods in Asia, handcrafted in Cambodia by small groups of disadvantaged workers, fully certified by the Fair Trade Federation, and completely unique - no 2 are exactly alike!

How cute is this little guy?! Made from 100% recycled polyester, he was an umbrella in his past life! Cat, bunny, elephant and hippo are Available in several colors. Price: $15


And my personal favorites...
BlueQ Large Stand-Up shopping totes


These bags come in an array of great designs, and hold 40+ lbs so they're perfect for groceries. They're made from 95% post-consumer recycled content, and 1% of sales benefit the Nature Conservancy. Price: $12



If you already have reusable shopping bags aplenty... how about produce bags? Those add up too. These Flip & Tumble Drawstring Bags from Reusablebags.com ($11 for 5) are durable and washable. If these don't strike your fancy... there's a wide variety of other reusable produce bags online.


Make the effort to bring your own bags. With a little bit of effort, we can make a HUGE difference! And for those of us who justify walking out of a store with plastic bags because we reuse them to pick up after the dog... A for effort, but unfortunately, F for effectiveness, because reusing plastic bags once is really just as bad. (see my blog on biodegradable poop bags)