Say no to plastic

On the rare occasion I visit a supermarket, I am still shocked and saddened by the number of consumers walking out with arms full of their shopping packed into plastic shopping bags. I vaguely recall one of the major supermarkets stating that if you purchased 3 or less items you were not offered a plastic bag – I am yet to see this happen. Bulky items such as paper towels, toilet paper and cooking oils seem to always be placed in a plastic bag of their own. Not to mention, the minute you get served at the counter, the attended at lightening speed seems to just put your shopping in plastic. Well not my shopping thank you.

BYOB

This has got me thinking, why aren’t we bringing our own bags (BYOB) when we go shopping and have we lots the ability to carry a few items in our hands (or will this hamper us talking on our mobile phones????) Majority of women have handbags and into those bags (unless it’s a clutch bag, you can barely fit your phone in one of those!) one of the essential items that should be in that bag is a reusable shopping bag. Most are compact not to mention stylish so there are no excuses as to why we shouldn’t have at least one in our bag.

If you drive your car to the supermarket, why not keep a stash of ‘green bags’ in the boot, that way you always have a bag or two on hand. If you have a lot of shopping to do and bags are just too heavy, buy yourself a ‘granny trolley’ your arms, shoulders and back will thank you for it.

Clean up Australia

There has been much publicity around the harmful effects of plastic bags on our environment, in particular Clean Up Australia’s message to ‘Say NO to Plastic Bags’. The message is to Refuse, Reuse and Recycle.

REFUSE
If you are buying only a few items, consider carrying them.
When shopping, take re-useable alternatives like ‘green bags’ or baskets with you.
Make sure that you keep these bags in the car so you don’t forget them.
Consolidate purchases into one bag rather than getting a new bag in each store.

REUSE
If you can’t avoid a plastic bag, reuse it to freeze food, store clothing or picking up after your dog.
Keep a spare reusable shopping bag in your handbag or wallet.

RECYCLE
Find a local supermarket that offers recycling facilities for plastic bags.
Return your plastic bags with the driver if your shopping is delivered.
Ask your local council if they have plans to include plastic bags in kerbside recycling.
Remember not to put your regular recycling in plastic bags

STOP and THINK

Next time you visit the supermarket, stop and think….can I carry my shopping or remember to bring a reusable shopping bag, the environment will thank you for it.