‘Drastic Plastic‘, the article I wrote for Environmental Graffiti this week, has made a strong impression on me. Now, I cannot throw away a plastic bag without thinking about all the birds and fishes dying of a slow death because of me. Yesterday’s trip to Whole Foods gave me plenty of opportunities to cringe. Fruit and vegetable section: plastic bags. Bulk section: plastic bags. Fish and seafood section: plastic bags. Checkout counter: plastic bags. I go home, and Prad tells me the city does not recycle plastic bags.
Now I try to minimize the problem by putting the fruit and vegetables directly into my green bag (when I remember to bring it). That’s not enough. There is still the issue of the bulk and the seafood. I am thinking of bringing empty yogurt containers, next time. At least, I will have done my share. Still. it does not solve the bigger problem. I asked the Customer Service man about Whole Foods intentions. They are ‘thinking’ about all these issues. When will they do something about it?
I have three canvas bags for grocery shopping; I just leave them in my car so I always have them when I’m at the store.
Yes, I am getting much better at that. Still what do you do with the bulk items?
Well, usually I am able to fit everything in the bags. Often I’ll have a bag full of items on one arm and carry a couple large items (like 24-packs of soft drinks) in the other. I’m from Chicago, so I’m used to carrying lots of groceries by hand =)
That being said, using your own bags for some of the items and plastic for the rest is better than using all plastic.