Sept. 12, 2009 has been dubbed “International Plastic Bag Free Day” — a way of raising awareness of the environmental effects of using plastic bags instead of reusable bags. Americans use one trillion disposable plastic bags every year; these bags take a long time to decompose in landfills and even when they do, they break down into other toxic particles that find their way into the food chain.
Recently I read about the Pacific Gyre, also known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. In this remote stretch of ocean, there is a huge swath of floating plastic trash estimated to be twice the size of Texas. Yikes.
So, as my own personal attempt to reduce the amount of plastic trash my family generates, I have acquired several reusable shopping bags that fold down into a very small size so I can carry them with me everywhere in my purse. I know, it’s geeky, but I love my reusable bags! They make me feel virtuous and are convenient at the same time.
Here are some online sources for lightweight, easily foldable reusable bags — and happy International Plastic Bag Free Day!
- Poksak (least expensive of the bunch at $3.99 each)
- CarryEco (cool designs but pricier at $12 each; I love the way these fold up flat!)
- Flip & Tumble (These bags are stylish, sturdy and comfortable to carry; they also are very easy to roll back up into a ball. Mid-priced at $9 each).
Rachel Norton 