Resolution #2: Don't be mindfully wasteful -- Invest in a canvas shopping bag (or three)
Recently, Whole Foods Market, in addition to giving out free canvas bags to customers, announced that it will discontinue its use of plastic bags starting on Earth Day, April 22, 2008. And thank goodness! For years, Whole Foods has encouraged its customers to shop with their own re-usable bags for a nickel or dime in exchange. From the looks of yesterdays' activities at the Whole Food counters, now it seems it is demanding it. The company will still continue to provide 100% post consumer paper bags to customers. From: Whole Foods Market Press Room
But what about the energy it takes to create even a recycled paper bag? Previous reports have indicated that paper produces more pollution and energy waste than plastic. And green fanatics always have advocated for reusable bags. The plastic bag ban at Whole Foods is great news. What would be even greater is if it devised a way to instill in customers the desire to use canvas bags when they shopped. A conscientious option would be providing customers with free use of recycled reusable bags, which then can be returned to the store for a credit on their next purchase. Eventually, enough options will be available so that no customer has an excuse to shop sans reusable bag.