Take Action…  It’s a Lifestyle

The debate over whether plastic or paper shopping bags are better for the environment has long been debated.  There are pros and cons to each argument.  One fact emerges; both products use a tremendous amount of energy to produce, create harmful pollution, and contribute a tremendous volume of waste to our landfills.

Our society, with its convenience oriented and disposable culture, is causing damage to our planet.  Our choice to use the convenient plastic bags that are provided when we do our shopping hurts our environment.  It creates landfills that resemble a sea of plastic and threatens wildlife and coral reefs and tarnishes our beautiful natural landscape.

Cities throughout the country and the world for that matter are calling for a ban on plastic bags.  Dubbed the “urban tumbleweed,” plastic bags are a tremendous source of litter because they get caught in trees, clog waterways and storm drains, and are a cause of blight- all factors that cost cities time, money, and quality of life.

You can make a difference! Stop using paper and single use plastic shopping bags. Choose reusable
bags and encourage a friend or family member to do the same. Finally, learn what your city officials and local environmental groups are doing to end this problem.

Go Green Tips … Remember It’s Easy

• Use reusable, Green World Bags, for all your shopping.  Buy a handful and keep them in your car.
  
  
• Use biodegradable garbage disposal bags that are now available in most supermarkets to get rid of your garbage everyday.
  
  
• Update your appliances. Older appliances are not energy efficient.
  
  
• Drive a fuel efficient car and drive less in general; avoid multiple trips to run errands.
  

• Opt for receiving e-bills and e-statements to reduce the amount of paper waste going to landfills.
  
  
• Use ceramic or glass mugs while at work instead of using a paper cup every time you get water or coffee.
  
  
• Switch to energy saving bulbs.
  
  
• Shop at farmers markets; food is grown locally and mostly organically.
  
  
• Familiarize yourself with local recycling centers and curbside recycling programs.

Links:

• Evironmental Protection Agency - EPA
  
  
• Surfrider
  
  
• GreenPeace
  
  
• Be Green and Save
  
  
• UpTown Liz
  
  
• Leafygreen.info - Green Product Reviews for a Green World