Two for two and bags

I'm seeing a pattern here. Two sequential days and I'm still posting, but how long will it last? We'll just have to see now won't we.

Just so you (and you and you and you) know, I'm hesitant to be an "advocate" to put myself on a pedestal and claim to be the voice of all things green. That's not my goal. Here's my goal. To share information I've gleaned and learn from others along with the way. I can't say it enough, we're all a work in progress. (Yes, even you, smarty britches.)

So, for show and tell today, I'd like to present the Green Bag. No, not the one that keeps veggies fresher longer, although I'd like to know some one's take on those. But on the reusable bags one can take to the grocery store, mall, farmers market, or anywhere else you're likely to exchange cash for goods. I was never a fan of the canvas bag. Not necessarily an enemy, I just figured there had to be a better way. And gosh darn it there is.

I know there are several brands out there, but the one that seems to have caught on in big box retailers is the Green Bag . I first encountered these handy dandy bags at our local Publix. They were bright green and had a nice little white logo on them and sold for just under $2. What a bargain! I bought up a bunch (four being a bunch). These bags are flat on the bottom which makes packing them easier, all but eliminating the eye-rolling, sneers I used to get from the baggers. (Yes, that was one of the reasons I didn't like canvas, the baggers hated them and would make mean faces at me when I used them--stink eye, big time. And being the sensitive type, it just really hurt my feelings.)

But guess what!? The baggers love Green Bags. Now, I have not done an official poll and cannot say that a certain percentage are for or against, but I can say that they've actually made positive comments about them, like, "I really like these bags." And the nasty looks are pretty much over with, and the ones I do get I chalk up to the bagger having a bad day, a fight with a significant other, or some other issue that doesn't concern me at all (unlike when I was pregnant and pretty much thought every dirty look, and even some not so negative, was a personal attack, sorry baggers).

So back to the Green Bags. They hold about double what a plastic shopping bag holds, which gives your arms a good work out toting groceries. And the baggers have gotten pretty good at asking if I (and I assume all of us green bag toters) want things with handles taking up space in the bag. Yay! More space in my Green Bag.

But here's one catch, Publix no longer carries the Green Bag, but they do carry their own version, of course with their own logo. I contacted Green Bag and corresponded with one of their marketing people--a very personable woman who assured me that they worked hard to maintain good working conditions for their factory workers, etc. I have not contacted Publix for any details on their bags.

Guess who else is carrying Green Bags! If you guessed Target, you're right, and the prize patrol is on their way. AND Target carries the little Zip-Up bag which folds up into a wallet size bag that fits neatly (well that kind of depends) in your purse (or back pack or other toting device you're inclined to carry). I picked up one these little guys and have been surprised how often I've used it.

We've cut back our plastic bag use significantly. Those that come in the house still get recycled, but it feels good cutting back on them in the first place. You know the first R of RRR is reduce (the others are recycle and reuse for those unfamiliar).

Now, I haven't gotten on my bandstand (that's different from a pedestal) about the bane of plastic bags and why I felt a personal drive to stop using them, so here goes. They cause a lot of litter. They're lightweight and voluminous (another one of my favorite spelling words) which makes them pretty easily airborne. They pose a real health threat to marine life and do not degrade in landfills. All in all there's just no need (at least very little need) for them when substitutes are readily available.

So in closing, what kinds of bags do you all use? Do you recycle your plastic bags? Do you carry around a reusable bag? Do you tuck things under your arm, or those of your companion? Or do you just refrain from purchasing all together?