I was cleaning my house last weekend, and had to go through the huge drawer where I keep paper and plastic bags. It was overflowing and difficult to shut.
As I bagged the excess plastic bags and stacked the paper bags to recycle, I couldn’t help thinking about a huge waste it was.
We all know the environmental reasons; energy, materials and money are spent on manufacturing and shipping them, then they get used once and at best, end up getting recycled or reused–or worse, clogging a landfill or cluttering the scenery.
But I must admit, I was also whining to myself because it’s also a waste of my time–why am I spending my precious time organizing a drawer of STUFF I NEVER NEEDED IN THE FIRST PLACE?
I own plenty of reusable bags. Of all people, I have no excuse for wanting reusable shopping bags. I make my own, for pete’s sake! And they’re damn cute, too.
Problem is, I haven’t made a habit of them yet. I grab them on the way out the door when I remember them, but at least half of my grocery trips end with me saying “Yes” to paper or plastic. On a big grocery trip, I’ll bring home five or six bags–more if I have heavy stuff that requires double bagging.
As I took the time to clean up my drawer of trash today, I decided enough is enough. I am over disposable bags, and I’m not going to collect them anymore.
Consider this my public declaration. Here is my plan of action:
- I will always have one shopping bag in my purse (for incidental stuff)
- I will always have at least 5 shopping bags in my car (for shopping and big grocery trips)
- I’ll return the bags to my purse and/or car as soon as I’m done unpacking them.
- No excuses.
I’m totally kicking myself for not doing this sooner.
Are you good at remembering to bring reusable shopping bags with you to the store? Do you have any tips for me?
