In the bag
Paper or plastic? Choose neither! It takes energy to make petroleum-based plastic bags and forest-unfriendly paper ones, and
they both end up in landfills.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD Tote your own cloth bag. Cloth bags can be used over and over for years. Disposable bags typically get trashed after a single shop, and they add up. According to a WorldWatch Institute report, Americans dump 100 billion plastic bags a year. San Francisco has now banned the nonbiodegradable, petroleum-based sacks in supermarkets and pharmacies. And other cities, including Los Angeles and Boston, may soon follow suit.
THE TRADE-OFF Like all new habits, remembering to schlep your own bags takes practice and planning. Hang a few on a doorknob as a reminder to take them with you.
SAVE! Reusing plastic or paper sacks is an eco-move that costs zip--and they’re easy to stuff in your purse.
Happybags Victoria print cotton tote is great for light loads; www.reusablebags.com, $20.
The Recycled Ad bag is roomy and has extra-sturdy seat-belt straps; www.reusablebags.com; $30.
Ecobags string tote comes in cool colors and can be tucked in a purse; www.reusablebags.com, $35 for set of 5.
LLBean’s rugged Boat Tote has a reinforced bottom; www.llbean.com, $17 to $30.
This synthetic tote comes in purple and other chic shades,and folds into its own compact pocket; www.myownbag.com, $49.
Learn more about green shopping in the October/November issue of ShopSmart, available now! Can't find ShopSmart in your local bookstore? Order it online or call our toll-free number to get your copy now.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD Tote your own cloth bag. Cloth bags can be used over and over for years. Disposable bags typically get trashed after a single shop, and they add up. According to a WorldWatch Institute report, Americans dump 100 billion plastic bags a year. San Francisco has now banned the nonbiodegradable, petroleum-based sacks in supermarkets and pharmacies. And other cities, including Los Angeles and Boston, may soon follow suit.
THE TRADE-OFF Like all new habits, remembering to schlep your own bags takes practice and planning. Hang a few on a doorknob as a reminder to take them with you.
SAVE! Reusing plastic or paper sacks is an eco-move that costs zip--and they’re easy to stuff in your purse.
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Photograph by Alexandra Rowley
Learn more about green shopping in the October/November issue of ShopSmart, available now! Can't find ShopSmart in your local bookstore? Order it online or call our toll-free number to get your copy now.
| Click any of the links below for a selection of articles from the October/November 2007 issue of ShopSmart;) Editor's Letter Greetings from ShopSmart Editor-in-Chief Lisa Lee Freeman 3 online shopping trends you'll love New ways to save time and find the absolute greatest deals 9 tips for finding a great-fitting shoe Follow these steps so you can treat your feet to a supercomfortable pair Design a laundry room that works Make a tiresome chore unboring with our decorating tricks Facial cleanser shopping tips Pick the right cleanser for your skin type Candy calorie countdown How much damage are you really doing with these Halloween treats? Can't find ShopSmart in your local bookstore? Order it online or call our toll-free number to get your copy now. |
