In 2009, my family took a one year sabbatical in India. During our stay there, the local government enforced a ban on single use plastic bags and I actively participated in it.  After our return home to Littleton, I found it really hard to continue the practice.  What was the reason for this? Here in the US, plastic bags are available everywhere.  True, there are some people who bring their own reusable bags and are to be commended. However, only certain stores - like most large grocery chains - offer the choice of “paper or plastic”. In most other places, for e.g. the pharmacy, fast food restaurants, gift stores, plant stores, the “no plastic” option is not always available. The plastic bag culture is so pervasive, that at the dentist’s office of all places, you not only get a clean, white smile, you also get a plastic bag with your new toothbrush inside to take home.  Since my return, I have had to say “no thank you” to the plastic bag many times when following my “self imposed” ban on single use plastic bags. I must have refused to accept more than a thousand bags in the past few years. I know it’s not a million, but like drops of water which make up the ocean, the refusals will add up.  Thanks to my time in India, I have become more environmentally conscious - I say “no” to all plastic bags.  I line my trash bins with paper. I always recycled, but now I compost as well, so I actually have less trash. I gave up my fun and funky LR for a hybrid.  And I have found other ways to leave a smaller footprint.

Do you really need a ban before you stop using it? Why not for earth day do our 100 bag challenge.  Say no to just 100 plastic bags in the next few months. Not just the grocery store bags – try saying no to the bag at CVS, fast food takeouts, office supply stores, gift stores, dentist office, Walmart and Kmarts. And don’t forget to bring your own bag to the Indian grocery store as well.  Think about when you shop at Costco or BJ’s.  They don’t have bags, and you don’t ask or even look for one.  So, it’s actually quite easy if you give it a try.   “Like” us on face book and comment on the many unexpected places you found yourself refusing a plastic bag.  Need help keeping track? Download our plastic bag counter for free and track your refusals on your handheld device.

Start today.  Say no, one plastic bag at a time.

Related links

http://www.facebook.com/PlasticBagBusters

http://www.ecowalkthetalk.com/blog/2010/06/23/kanyakumari-the-plastic-bag-free-district-in-india/

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