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I would hazard a guess that 90% of plastic bags used in Chicago are an unnecessary menace to the environment. They are especially persistent in the environment, as they eventually degrade into a fine dust that works its way into the tissues of aquatic and mammal life. They are also an eyesore, and prone to clogging storm drains and water filtration systems. Plastic bags also require petroleum to produce, and that stuff is better used as auto fuel nowadays because there are fewer readily available substitutes.

Retail clerks have had their DNA altered such that any item, regardless of its size or nature, gets put into a bag. Buy a pack of gum at Walgreens? Get it in a bag. Buy a single bottle of water? It gets bagged.

Consumers need to start saying "no" to bags. Just carry that newspaper, pack of gum, or bottle of water in your hand. If you are buying multiple items, get into the habit of bringing your own cloth bag, or at least request paper.

My wife and I are going to eliminate bags at the shop. We are going to switch to paper bags printed with natural dyes. It's more expensive, but it's the right thing to do. Corporate consumerism is not always right.

Austin city council came close to banning plastic grocery bags already, and I wouldn't be surprised if it eventually happens. Whole Foods, I believe, only offers paper now.

I just bought a green bag at Walgreens for $.99. The main reason I bought it was I rode my bike to the store because I had a hankerin' for some Arizona Iced Tea, and they had a 2 for 1 sale that I couldn't pass up. I saw the bag and figured I could get home riding my bike with that bag. It's a great idea.

I believe plastic bags have been banned in all of Ireland and also China (or parts of China).

I too need to acquire some of those cloth bags. Every time I see them in the check out isle I'm like, [expletive] it, I'll get them next time.

Grocery stores go absolutely crazy bagging w/ way too many plastic bags at times it seems. I don't need each thing in it's own bag (that is when I/we forget our own).

heyzeus wrote:Whole Foods, I believe, only offers paper now.

This is true. I need to get some green bags before I end up with a whole mess of paper bags laying around.

G. Keenan wrote:I believe plastic bags have been banned in all of Ireland and also China (or parts of China).

I too need to acquire some of those cloth bags. Every time I see them in the check out isle I'm like, [expletive] it, I'll get them next time.

I've gotten them--I just need to remember to bring them.

Sadly, years ago when I lived in Brunswick Maine, I used to bring cloth bags to the grocery store every trip. But then again, I walked everywhere.

sighyoung wrote:

G. Keenan wrote:I believe plastic bags have been banned in all of Ireland and also China (or parts of China).

I too need to acquire some of those cloth bags. Every time I see them in the check out isle I'm like, [expletive] it, I'll get them next time.

I've gotten them--I just need to remember to bring them.

Sadly, years ago when I lived in Brunswick Maine, I used to bring cloth bags to the grocery store every trip. But then again, I walked everywhere.

That's the same problem I have. We've got a bunch of them but I never remember to bring them to the store.

Stores need to switch to the Aldi method. You can get plastic bags (big heavy ones, that hold a lot), but they cost you 10 cents each. Otherwise, you pack groceries in whatever bags you brought, or whatever boxes they have left from stocking shelves.

Leave the cloth bags in your car. It helps me remember.