Dropping bags
San Francisco shoppers will have to find alternatives to plastic grocery bags
By Kim Carlson
March 28, 2007
The basic question “Paper or plastic?” just got more complicated in San Francisco, where, according to the Chronicle, the Board of Supervisors has voted to prohibit “petroleum-based plastic checkout bags in large markets and pharmacies.”
So, the Gap won’t have to stop using plastic bags, but Safeway and Walgreen’s will.
Retailers will have to come up with another wrapping option besides the estimated 180 million plastic shopping bags they distributed last year. Paper bags aren’t prohibited, and biodegradeable bags, made from corn or other fibers, are another option.
This seems like an opportune time to plug my answer to the paper-or-plastic question: my Greenbag, which is made from non-woven polypropylene, a petroleum by-product, as I understand it. I love the Greenbag (mine is red, actually); it’s strong, lightweight, and roomy, and it has a sturdy bottom, just right for packing home a carton of milk and a good number of other things as well.
The trick is remembering to have it on hand when I shop, which I manage to do only about half the time. Has anyone figured that one out?
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There are 3 comments on this item
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1. by Snowbug on Mar 28, 2007 at 2:49 PM PDT
I didn’t think biodegradable would really help, since they bags are buried in landfills and won’t be exposed to the things that are supposed to make them biodegrade.
Sounds like lawmakers want to do ‘feel good’ stuff, without thinking it through. TYPICAL.
2. by Snowbug on Mar 28, 2007 at 3:06 PM PDT
I stand corrected. It says “Compostable bags can be recycled in the city’s green garbage bins”.
It won’t be the FIRST time I’m wrong today. ‘Fraid it won’t be the last, either.
3. by cccooky on May 25, 2008 at 8:28 PM PDT
about a year ago I found a great website, reuseablebags.com. they have some very nice shoppping bags available. The one I particularly like is a bag that has comes in a small pouch which can attach to one’s purse, briefcase, etc. once opened, it can accomodate groceries or other things one might want to schlep in a bag. Since I attach it to my purse, i have it handy all the time. In fact, they sometimes have special deals where one can purchase several of them. I highly recommend that you consider taking a look. cccooky
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