So, I went grocery shopping last night, and I am absolutely committed to using reusable bags. In fact, nine times out of ten, I forget the bags in the trunk of my car, so I just load the groceries back in the cart, sans bags, and then load them in my reusable ones once I get to the car. So, today's Green tip is to remind you that reusble bags are good for the environment and sturdier than plastic or paper.
Did you know that according to some estimates, between 500 billion and a trillion plastic grocery bags are used globally each year? The WorldWatch Institute estimates that it takes 430,000 gallons of oil to produce 100 million plastic bags, so add that up to get to a trillion bags every year and that is a lot of oil. Paper is the next best choice if you forget your reusable bag, but if you do end up with plastic, here are some alternative uses to keeping those bags useful and out of landfills:
• Insulate under doors. Sew a tube of cloth, fill it full of plastic bags, then sew up the ends. It will help prevent drafts in the gaps.
• Use plastic bags as cushioning material when packing instead of packing peanuts.
• Use for restuffing footstools, cushions, and decorative pillows
• Great for doggy pick-up bags
For more arts and craft ideas using plastic bags, visit www.greenlivingtips.com. Let us know how you live and work Green by posting your comments below. DING! You are now free to be Green.
