Kicking the Plastic Bag Habit

When I was growing up groceries were packaged in large brown paper bags and then along came the plastic bag.  Every time we went to the store more plastic bags.  When we put away the groceries we added the plastic bags to the mounting collections.  It seemed so great.  We could line the bathroom trashcan with them and use them again.  But.... plastic bags are a major source of pollution.  

According to theworldcounts, 5 trillion plastic bags are used per year!  Plastic bags are produced from fossil fuels in a process that requires a lot of energy and water.  

Reasons why plastic bags are bad for the environment:

1.  Large component of land and sea litter.  Look up Pacific Garbage Patch.
2.  Kill marine life that consume them.
3.  Release dangerous chemicals into landfills that get into the food chain.

To make the burrow greener I am determined to cut my dependence on plastic bags.  I will carry my own reusable bags to package groceries.  I have a couple already but I am eager to make some of my own since I love to sew.  I am still debating what to do about garbage bags.

Links to information about plastic bags -

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/09/0902_030902_plasticbags_2.html

http://www.motherearthnews.com/nature-and-environment/environmental-policy/plastic-bag-problem-ze0z1302zwar

http://www.whoi.edu/science/B/people/kamaral/plasticsarticle.html