Green Options

As if you need more reasons to ditch single-use plastic bags, today marks Heal the Bay’s second “Day Without a Bag” in Los Angeles County. The environmental organization is supporting the cause by handing out free reusable shopping bags at locations county-wide.

If you remember, in July the LA City Council announced an all-out ban on the ubiquitous plastic bags, which will take effect in 2010. In LA County, large grocers were threatened with a ban unless they reduced the number of the bags used by 30% by 2010 and by 65% by 2013. Of course, the companies that make plastic bags are fighting the measures, putting forth the argument that stores and consumers will use paper bags instead, which they claim are worse for the environment. I guess that they have missed this whole reusable bag movement, huh?

 These are one of my favorite green discoveries.  ChicoBags (www.chicobag.com) come in a rainbow of colors, are lightweight and incredibly clever.  They compress into their own teensy self-contained pouch and have a carabineer clip so you can snap them right onto your key ring.  No more forgetting them at home or in the car!  They pop into a pocket or purse, clip to a belt loop or backpack [...]