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Apr 23 2008, 12:11 PM EDT Jgroves4ward2 264 words deleted
Apr 23 2008, 12:10 PM EDT Jgroves4ward2 24 words added, 2 words deleted

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Why are plastic bags evil?

Check out the new video featuring Ed Norton. This comes from a campaign from the National Georgraphic Society "Green Guide" site. Lost of great information and links.


They are made from Plastic (oil!) which takes 1,000 years to decompose, they are not recycled (less than 1%), they often end up in rivers and streams (see turtle below) and when they do break down, they do so in little peices which end up everywhere.

New site! http://www.droptheplasticbag.org/ Check it out!


Check out this article from the Sydney Morning Herlad about the Plastic Killing Fields which is basically a spot in the ocean about 2 times the size of Britain that is nothing but plastic and gargabe. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/12/28/1198778702627.html.


Sea Turtles in Trouble

Maryland General Assembly Bill to Ban Plastic Bags - Introduced in 2008 (for the 2nd time). It passed the Senate but not the House. Tell your representative to get this passed in 2009. While the bill does stop plastic bag use, it give paper as an alternative. Paper is not better and in most cases is just as bad. It still takes a very long time to break down in the land fill, it's heavy and bulky to ship so more gas has to be used to deliver them, they are usually not made from recycled paper and the amount of energy used to make them is huge.


Two great articles from the Washington Post:
1. Goodbye, Plasic.
2. Graphic: Paper vs. Plastic

Check out this video of the problem. Lots more videos by doing a quick search on YouTube.

Reusable Grocery Bag - Local Directory

Check out these links for more information:

Plastic Bags are EVIL! - My Hyattsville Wiki

More on plastic bags from GO:

Plastic Bag FACTS:

  • Less than 1% are recycled!!
  • They last from 20 - 1,000 years
  • They clog up storm drains
  • They are made from petroleum
  • Plastic bags don’t biodegrade, they photodegrade—breaking down into smaller and smaller toxic bits contaminating soil and waterways and entering the food web when animals accidentally ingest.
  • More here
    Plastic Bags are EVIL! - My Hyattsville Wiki


The following is from Reusable Bags.com

Your actions count! Here are some ideas, tips and tools we've pulled together to help you change the status quo and reduce the mindless consumption of single use plastic and paper bags. Our goal is to make it easy for you to take action and make a difference. So if you want to get involved we suggest:
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Say no to Plastic Bags for School Lunches!

"Much of the trash we generate comes from the packaging on the food we buy, and lunch foods are no exception. In fact, it has been estimated that on average a school-age child using a disposable lunch generates 67 pounds of waste per school year. That equates to 18,760 pounds of lunch waste for just one average-size elementary school." ( http://www.wastefreelunches.org/)
  • Laptop lunches offers a very groovy bento box "system" that has a carrying case which looks like a little laptop carrying case. Lina, my budding young foodie, loves it and love to help plan the menu for each day. http://www.laptoplunches.com/
  • There is a movement to have people stop using sandwich bags http://www.wrap-n-mat.com - Looks like a good idea and probably a good DIY project too.
  • Other reusable containers:
Lock & Lock 1.7 Cups Square container at HeritageMint.com
SIGG 0.3L Traveler Classics - Reusable Bottles at ReusableBags.com
Good old brown wax paper works as well!

    .
    Food Storage non-Plastic ideas?

    • Oggi Canister Set - set of four white ceramic and stainless-steel canisters, with locking tops and stainless spoons to boot ($25).
    • Anchor Hocking Glass Storage Dishes - oven- and micro- safe containers in three sizes; also available at Bed Bath & Beyond ($10-$13).
    • Ball Canning Jars - pint-size, old-school mason jars; also available in four other sizes ($11/12).
    • Wrap-N-Mat - reusable sandwich wraps made with less-toxic plastic that double as placemats ($7).
    • Co-op America - a short but comprehensive article on staying safe while using plastics.

    Want to do a bit more?
    Plastic Bags are EVIL! - My Hyattsville Wiki

    What do I do about picking up dog poop?
    I want nicer bags and I'm willing to pay for it!

    Not fancy, but with a message...

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    Make your own reusable bag!

    Make a statement with these eco-chic handbags and purses!
    • Escama - conversation-evoking handmade bags made from aluminum can pull-tabs, in four sizes ($32-$160).
    • HER Design Iris - inspired by an iris bud, the latest clutch from HER features linen with a recycled-bottle lining and comes with a detachable strap ($129).
    • Kim White - wide variety of supercute and durable bags made from vintage car seat fabrics ($115-$250).
    • Stewart + Brown Swans Crescent Bag - machine-washable hemp and organic cotton shoulder bag with a swan print, in two colors ($79).
    • Entermodal - made from materials such as locally sourced aluminum, these bags work as murses or purses; available online in August ($450 and up).

    Can we actually get rid of Plastic bags?

    Plastic Bags are EVIL! - My Hyattsville Wiki Plastic Bags are EVIL! - My Hyattsville Wiki Plastic Bags are EVIL! - My Hyattsville Wiki

    Ice Chests Anyone?

    (Added by Rob Oppenheim, 11/23/07)
    .In addition to reusable bags, I use a large insulated ice chest on wheels with a telescoping handle (somewhat like a large carry on luggage cart).
    .I throw two blue ice packs in it from my freezer, and it keeps items from spoiling - especially helpful in the summer. However, I find it so convenient that I use it year round.
    .It is easier to haul stuff because of the wheels and its big (fewer trips to the car to carry it all in). Sometimes its a bit too heavy and I remove a few items and carry them separately.
    .At first, it was difficult to remember to take along but now its S.O.P. Finding a convenient place to store it was key.
    .I put the cooler in the shopping cart and take it into the store with me as I shop. Cold and frozen items go directly from the store shelf to the cooler. No chance to thaw etc. Actually, I put frozen items in a double layer - first into a reusable insulated bag with its own blue ice and then that bag goes in the cooler. (Department of Redundancy Department).
    .
    I use my cooler a lot and it gets knocked around so I needed a tough exterior. I found just the cooler I wanted (wheels with a tall handle and a hard plastic exterior) at WalMart. Costco sometimes has similar ones (but with a thicker lid that makes it a better insulator but a little more bulky).
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