In 2004 we threw out 850 million plastic bags. The Say No to Plastic Bags campaign in 2005 reduced that to 510 million. That's still way too many. Friends, we have to stop!
What to do? Buy a handful of silk bags.
Strong and durable, these singlet bags last for years, replacing thousands of plastic bags in their lifetime. The bags are made from parachute silk, a type of nylon, which to its credit is endlessly recyclable. Ecosilk Bags proprietor, Emily Hays, is looking forward to eventually making the bags from plant-based nylons, a technology that is currently being refined.
The trick is to carry your own bags. It’s easy when you plan to go shopping: you just take a bundle of those ugly green bags you can buy in any supermarket.
But it is more difficult when you're out and about and you don't have the bag with you. Bummer!
So, borrow a bag from someone, wrap it up in your shirt, maybe even simply carry it...
Do not, whatever you do, accept a plastic bag across the counter. There is simply no need.
The real test is to change your habits. Add ‘Bag’ to that checklist you run through as you walk out the door. You know the one. It goes like this, “Key. Money. Phone. BAG.”
Benefits | Costs |
| A good silk bag costs around $6 DownsideYou have to keep a bag handy, always |
Places to go | Related tipsBuy fresh food Avoid packaging |
Search termsGyre rubbish Turtles plastic Say no plastic bags | Hard FactsSydney consumes more than 500 million bags each year. ComebacksThere are enough bags in the world. Don’t you think? I’ve got my own bag, thanks. |
Be inspired!
Read how the English town of Modbury became the first in Europe to ban plastic bags outright.
