Paper or Plastic?

We went to check out the Coborn's grocery store last week in Hastings. It's a small town grocer, but a big deal! When we were on our way in, walking in the parking lot, we noticed these fancy white (brown) handle bags with color on them. We both noticed how nice they were and were excited to get one when we checked out.

When we got to the check out, the girl who was bagging our groceries said, "Is plastic ok mam"?, I was like "No", and I had to say it a couple of times for her to listen to me.

Well when we walked out carrying our groceries, and our one very stuffed white paper colored fancy bag, we noticed just about everyone else had plastic bags! Even families with lots of groceries. I saw one family load about 12 of those little plastic bags into their mini van! It was like being in the twilight zone. I said to Kevin, "Did you notice how she asked, "Is plastic ok mama"?, and he totally noticed that too. Our conclusion is that the fancy bags cost them and arm and a leg, and they didn't want to give them away if they didn't have to, so they found a way to do that-asking us if plastic was ok. How sly!
I mean when the girl was bagging our groceries, it was obvious our bag was bursting, we definitely needed a second bag. It was pretty funny.

But anyway, all that to say this: did you know it takes 80 million gallons of oil each year to make those plastic bags? I have become so determined to NOT take them whatsoever any longer. And I mean, they use them for everything. I'll buy chicken, ice cream, banana's, and they will put those items separately in a smaller plastic bag! I mean enough already!

I suggest you purchase the canvas bags that most grocery stores sell now. They are very cheap and very handy. Just put them in your back seat after using them, and bring them in with you to the grocery store, or Target. Some stores even offer a discount if you bring your reused bags to bag your groceries. We bring all used paper, plastic or canvas bags for all our grocery shopping.

Sometimes it's ok to take those plastic bags if you plan on reusing them for things like:
-small garbage bag liners
-dog poop bags
-school lunches (I was always embarrassed though when I had to use those for my lunch)
-carrying things to and fro

You can find ways to reuse them, but when you bring your own it is such a sense of independence, to not have to take something that comes from a source that is a trillion dollar business, and not so good for the environment.

So the next time someone asks you, "Paper or plastic"?, say, "Neither".