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Another right route? Say NO to plastic
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Posted on May 07 2008
We can, one bag at a time, reduce the amount of plastics and reduce our environmental footprint.
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Things you can do today
Refuse[/B]
If you’re only buying a couple of items, consider carrying them.
When shopping, take reusable alternatives like ‘green bags’, calico bags, string bags, baskets or boxes with you. Keep them in the car, or put your car keys in them at home so you don’t forget to take them with you.
Consolidate purchases into one bag rather than getting a new bag at each store.
Be aware that the thicker department store bags are generally non-recyclable, so the best action is to avoid taking them.
[B]Reduce[/B]Count the number of plastic bags you use and aim to reduce that number each week.
Avoid putting items that already have handles, eg. dog food, laundry detergent, into plastic bags.
Avoid using small plastic bags as bin liners. Simply put your rubbish straight into your household bin and give the bin a quick rinse afterwards then reuse the water on your garden.
Biodegradable (break down using natural processes) and Degradable (can use chemicals to break down) plastic bags are becoming available. However, be cautious when using these bags, as there are no standards in place to test their effectiveness. Degradable bags just break into smaller pieces and can be even more damaging to flora and fauna.
[B]Reuse[/B]Reuse plastic bags at home for: freezing food, packing children’s school lunches, storage of clothing and other household items.
Keep a spare reusable shopping bag in your handbag or wallet for those times when you thought you would not need a bag, but did.
[B]Recycle[/B]Not all recycling centers on Saipan can recycle plastic bags. Call your waste hauler or recycling center and ask if they accept plastic (grocery) bags. If they don’t, please don’t put plastic bags in with your normal recycling; it can cause major problems in processing.
[B]Stay motivated[/B]Be proud to be a trend setter.
Encourage all family members to BYOB.
When you use your reusable bag, you are reminding and encouraging others to use theirs.
You are being an active part of the solution.
[I]Source:http://environmental-activism.suite101.com/article.cfm/say_no_to_plastic_bags[/I]
