…plastic ones, that is. Whole Foods announced today that by Earth Day of this year (April 22), they will completely eliminate offering plastic bags as an option for shoppers. You’ll still be able to use Whole Foods paper bags, which are made from 100% recycled paper and are 100% recyclable. They’re also offering a new “Better Bag” - made from recycled plastic bottles, the Better Bag will cost you 99 cents to pack up and take home. This is an enormous step to cutting down on plastic bag use - on their site, Whole Foods explains it takes about a thousand years for a plastic bag to break down, as well as releases toxins when they decompose. They also estimate that from Earth Day to the end of 2008 alone, they’ll be keeping about 100 million plastic bags out of landfills! Check out the FAQs from Whole Foods for more information.
Not to defend the plastic bag, but as do many people, I really reuse the bags I accumulate from Whole Foods. They go in the smaller garbage cans around my house, in my car, stashed in travel bags, at the beach, anywhere a kiddie emergency is needed. And, if you’re like me, you can’t just run into to Whole Foods for a couple of things you can throw into a couple of canvas bags. I’d like to know your thoughts about this - would you buy Whole Foods’ “Better Bags” for 99 cents, bring your own bags, use the paper bags, or a combo of all of them? I carry a couple of small canvas bags in my car for the library, but I don’t think it’s enough for a Whole Foods run!
I think I may have to place an order on Reusable Bags to celebrate!
Comments
I think it’s great that Whole Foods is doing this. It’s about time. Just a suggestion for those of you who want to BYOB - bring your own bags - but don’t like the bulky canvas ones. Try picking up some EVIROSAX shopping bags. If you are in the Seattle area, they can be found at Click! Design That Fits 2210 California Ave SW.
Envirosax are cool. I bought some Reisenthel bags for a holiday gift. I prefer the ACME bag from Reusablebags and the Chico bags. They’re small enough to always have in the car or your pocket.
BTW - not to nitpick too much, but if you’re reusing the plastic bags in your garbage cans, you’re still sending them to landfill - just filled with stuff. I use the paper bags for garbage. The smaller garbage cans get no liner and get dumped into a larger paper bag when its time.
Anyway - check out the Chico bags. I got a deal of 5 for $20 and they rock. You can put so much more in them than a standard plastic bag (they can hold more weight). As a male, the ACME is great b/c I can put it in my coat pocket easily and its the same size as a standard plastic grocery bag.
This is great news! Personally, I just alwasy keep a few Envirosax in my bag so if I do any unplanned shopping I have bags with me. The Envirosax bags are really big, they can fit the equivalent of probably 2 plastic bags, and they squoosh down to a miniscule little bundle that’s so easy to cart a few around with you, or just leave them in your car or wherever.
ps If you Google “Envirosax free shipping” you can usually find places that sell them for good prices and ship for free.
I love the Envirosax bags too! They’re light-weight and fold up so several fit easily in your purse. Plus they have lots of cool designs. I get a lot of compliments on them.
hey everyone! thanks for the comments! i actually ordered the envirosax when i moved to panama, and i never got them! maybe now’s the time to invest…
jason, i think i have that idea/guilt that reusing plastic is better than nothing or just throwing them away. maybe the envirosax or the chico bags you recommended. i’ll keep you posted, and thanks!
I actually have 8 of Whole Foods green bags. I unpack the groceries and then throw the bags back in the car so that they’re handy the next trip. I have bags from a few different stores. Even Safeway, Target and Staples now offer these options!
I’m a big fan of the Trader Joe’s bags — we keep two in each car. They’re fun and funky-looking, too. Here’s my question, though — what’s the environmentally responsible dog-poop bag? Paper obviously ain’t gonna cut it.
