Plastics Improvement... not that kind...

WOW! Thanks SO very much for the feedback everyone! There have been several new comments posted on a variety of entries, so we encourage you to read and provide your feedback as well! We are also in the process of trying to make the comments more easily viewed, and will hopefully have a better system for viewing by next week.... fingers crossed everybody!!!!

Nothing makes us happier than knowing you are interested and passionate!

Starting another conversation... how is the use for plastic bags search going? Are you finding you use many bags in your lives?

I am finding that in our household we have pulled out bags without thinking about it in the past, but since September, we have not gone through more than one box of "Ziploc" bags because we are using containers (Which also protect your food from morphing as well... :P) to store our food. As well, we have not accumulated our usual MASSIVE bag of grocery bags, because I have been making a conscious effort to keep reusable grocery bags in the car, so when I pick up some goods for supper, I am able to zip in and out without taking more plastic home! I must say, though, that this has been a hugs challenge for me, lol. I am aware that it sounds ridiculous and easy to follow; however for some reason it has taken me months to remember to bring my reusable bags into the grocery store even when they are in the car... pathetic, I know... but I'm trying, and I am making an effort to change things (like bringing the bags in my car so I have a constant reminder.... except when my husband insists that they go in the trunk... thus continuing my cycle of forgetfulness... oi!). Well that's my struggle with this plastic bag manifesto... they just hand them our and double-bag you everywhere you go! I do recognize that we have made huge strides in this department and for this I am grateful.

P.S. If you are wondering where on earth can I get a reusable bag? Almost every single grocer carries their own brand, general merchandise stores are beginning to carry their own (great advertising... we're thinking of putting out some ad bags as well... stay tuned...), and there are soooo many sites online that carry "designer", neat reusable organic bags (just google "reusable bags" and you will find a plethora of sites)

Lots of non-plastic wishes sent your way :P,

Chanel and Heather

PLASTIC PLASTIC, NOT SO FANTASTIC!

We all know that plastic bags are a huuuuge part of our lives... grocery shopping, lunch bags, garbage, dying your hair, wet bathing suits, pooper scoopers, point " A" to "B" stuff, traveling, ETC.

This week, let's examine the plastic in our lives, and begin thinking of alternatives.
Next week we will be setting out on a massive makeover of our plastic bag practices.

Question, question: What do YOU use plastic bags for???? Send us your comments and let us know, and we will add them to our list! (at the bottom of this post hit comments, and fire away).

The list has begun....

• garbage bags


• lunch bags


• hair dye bags


• grocery bags


• tote bags (to separate from other items in a tote bag)


• poop bags (for our animals and diapers...)


• food storage (food from bulk bins, other)

Now, the reason that we are trying to become more aware of the places that plastic exists in our lives is because this is a completely man-made, fabricated product that almost NEVER biodegrades in the earth (IMPORTANT DETRIMENTAL NOTE: because these bags are made from petroleum or natural gas, plastic bags breakdown in 100-infinity years whereas paper bags take 1 month!!!! They never biodegrade because of their ingredients, and unless they are incinerated (which raises other environmental concerns), they will highly outlive their consumers (as read in the Wall Street Journal, 2007). These products sit in landfills for extended periods of time, and do not allow the materials in them to biodegrade into the earth either. They also litter other areas on this earth, and if we continue to use these products so irresponsibly.... well we will let you think of the consequences.

This may seem to you as just a "trend' that grocery stores and governments are trying to promote; however we believe that it must become a lasting part of all of our lives to make a conscious effort to combat the ridiculously common use of plastic bags in our communities.

Here are some earth-shattering stats (literally earth-shattering):

- In Ireland, in 2002, a highly successful bag tax reduced the consumption of plastic bags by a whopping 90%!!!!!!!! That's INCREDIBLE!!!!! We are a money driven society, but hey if it's going to make a change.
- Only about 1% of plastic bags are recycled worldwide..... that's unbelievable!!
- Approximately 500 billion bags are used EVERY YEAR AROUND THE WORLD! That's 500 000 000 000 plastic bags, UUUG!!

Conscious decisions people, beeeee conscious!