more baggu, less plastic...please.

"Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; try to use ordinary situations."

— Jean Paul Richter, German Romantic novelist and humorist

When we are so frequently surrounded by friends, we are undoubtedly going to be influenced by them. I have a friend who, during this past year of college, bought a few reusable grocery bags from various grocery stores for around $1.00.  Each time thereafter when she went to the grocery store, she would use these bags in place of the plastic ones that the stores provide. I have always respected her for doing this, especially since, although she offered to share these bags, I rarely remembered to bring them along on my own outings. 

I honestly don't know if I would have ever made a real effort to remember these reusable bags had it not been for my trip to a Walmart "Neighborhood Market" this past week and  had I not seen a mother who probably had 6+ mouths to feed at home, judging by the mountain of food-filled plastic bags piled into her cart. My issue is not the amount of purchased food, but said "mountain" de plastique.

I am not a hippie (although, I've often imagined how fun it would be), I am nowhere near a vegan (or vegetarian, for that matter), and I am not an environment "freak." But, this incident presented me with somewhat of an "eco-ephiphany," if you will. 

 I would never go up to this woman and preach about the dangers of plastic bags, but after finding this article, Say No To Plastic Bags: The Shocking Facts ..., I realized that maybe there are times when we should be environment freaks--especially if it's as easy as remembering to bring your own bag with you at the grocery store.

Recently I've been introduced to BAGGU, and they make such fun, brightly colored, reusable shopping totes for cheap! A few days ago I bought a BAGGU in "Electric Poppy," and I am so excited to use it.

Here's "Navy White Stripe":

The best part is that one BAGGU holds the contents of 2-3 plastic grocery bags, holds up to 50 lbs., and comes with a 5'' by 5'' carrying pouch. By folding the tote into the small pouch when its not being used, it's easy to keep in your purse without taking up much space.  And this way, if you're forgetful like I am, you don't have a choice but to remember your shopping bag in case you drop by the store unplanned.

If this is a pre-meditated grocery outing, they have a drawstring sack to carry all your shopping bags to the store.

Here's one in "Electric Purple":

And if you're ready for more intense earth saving, they even have reusable produce bags that come in two sizes. I love it!

photo credit: http://baggubag.com/#Shop

 

Don't worry, I will get off my soap box, but give it a chance. It doesn't have to be BAGGU, any tote or bag that isn't plastic will work. Most grocery stores now have them for less than a couple of dollars. 

 According to the previously mentioned article, only 1% percent of all plastic bags thrown away in America are recycled each year. My thinking is, if I could help to make that 1% rise to 2%,  it's still making a difference. A tiny difference, but it's still there, and I think that's pretty awesome.

xo JM