Re-Usable and Biodegradable Bags for Me

It brought tears to my eyes.

I wanted to write about how much I admire the people of Ireland for taxing plastic bags in 2002, and in a matter of weeks reducing their plastic bag consumption by 94%. The Irish are now consuming 1 billion fewer plastic bags annually. That is a thrilling number and an astonishing achievement.

So I went to Google News and searched, "Ireland plastic bags". Go ahead, click and see what I found--an entire world of articles about cities and towns addressing this major environmental problem. Beautiful! This kind of good news brings tears of happiness.

Since I've got a dog, I felt a need for plastic bags to pick up the poop while we're out walking. Generally I "recycled" two plastic bags a day, depositing the poop-filled bags in my trash can.

While this was a great recycling practice, it did not address the 100-years-to-decompose problem each plastic bag brings. Then I found BioBags, which are certified to be 100% biodegradable and 100% compostable. Suddenly, there was no justification for using plastic bags.

It's funny how something so simple has the ability to change so many life patterns. I bought the BioBags (they work great, I love them.) And I bought re-usable cotton bags to carry my groceries and other purchases.

I keep the re-usable cotton shopping bags in the trunk of my car, and bring them into stores when I'm shopping. I do forget sometimes.  But I am dedicated to this change in habit, so I go back out to my car and retrieve my  bags.

I've found sales clerks to be very supportive. Often, they even seem to be pleased to be part of the conservation process.

I would love to hear how you are dealing with your plastic bag eco challenges. Please comment below, or send me a message.