Paper or Plastic?

I'd like to see all of us using reusable cloth bags when shopping. I have the best canvas bags that are not only sturdy and utilitarian, but attractive. String bags mentioned are also a great idea.

There are some items that require plastic packaging for freshness or sanitary reasons. I would really like to avoid them when possible though.

I use string bags. They hold a TON and scrunch up into nothing when you're not using them. I use them for everything.

We really need to help ourselves by thinking about how we use products today. We can no longer just sit around and do nothig to help our enviornment.

I use the paper bags from the store to put my recyclables in when the truck picks them up. I recently went to IKEA, and they now require a 5cent donation if you want to use a bag. The money goes to a company that plants trees to counter the effects of the plastic. I couldn't believe that people actually were grumbling about it! Seemed like a fantastic idea to me, especially when a lot of the time you can use the some of stuff you buy there (like a wastebasket)to hold the rest. The cloth bag idea is probably best, but how many people will really do it? Maybe if the stores had promotions for people that brought their own it would work.

I like recyable plastic bags.

I hate using plastic bags! This falls under my "pack-in, pack-out" theory of corporations--if they put it out there, they should take it back. Some of the local stores have recycle bins for plastic bags, but they may as well be hidden! I think they should be REQUIRED to offer a person a place to recycle.

I think if everyone tried to reuse there plastic bags that we would use a lotless. Of course, thats in a perfect world.For the time being,I try to do my part

I agree with MommaGeorge... I try to avoid products that are wrapped individually. I use my own reusable containiners and when I can I even reuse plastic storage bags. I also use reusable grocery bags. When I went to a grocery store in Germany I noticed that they charge you for bags so most people bring their own reusable type bags. Maybe if here in the US we hit people here where it hurts (their wallets) maybe they would be more conscientious.

I think cutting down on plastics are a good thing and at the grocery line is a start....BUT what about all the packaging from manufacturers? If packaging could comed wrapped once instead fo multiple times just "think" how much could be saved!

How about cloth bags? I also like bio bags. The basket idea is good -except when going on a bif shopping trip. I would have to carry several baskets and that can get heavy and bulky. I think cloth bags are the solution. The can be reused over and over.

Interesting. I visited the Institute for Lifecycle Environmental Assessment (ILEA)at its website, www.ilea.org and discovered that they are no longer in business. This sets off all sorts of alarm bells in my mind about the claims that they make. Furthermore, when checking out the sponsors of the Franklin Study that they quote, their website doesn't give that info. I suspect the results of this study. Prefer to use paper or my own reusable bags.

It seems the consesus is bring your own bag, which is what we have been doing the past few months. And if I forget, I try to put everything in my purse of we carry the items to the car without a bag. This includes when we shop for clothes, shoes or other items.

Cloth bags are so nice. Any one rember the old potato and onion sacks? I found some at a yard sale and they were so soft and nice I used them for pillow cases.

I use the cloth bags from the grocery store. They can be washed, are sturdy and great to carry the heavy bottles and cans. It saves both plastic and paper.

I shop at Aldi's bags there are ten cents each. They are plastic but they are heavy so we get a lot of use out of them and when I am done using them I use the bags to put recyclables in. I just don't see how sturdy cloth totes are when it comes to groceries. Then with the meats and freezable items. I don't get that. I should though purchase some more cloth totes for things that aren't heavy When I am just out-going to yard sales or wherever I use cloth totes.