Using Less Plastic Bags

As a method of environmental self defense and mindful shopping, over the last year, we have stopped taking plastic bags when we go grocery shopping. We don't even take paper bags. We do have 3-4 cloth bags that we try and bring with us whenever possible.

I am AMAZED at peoples response EVERY TIME we don't take a bag. We try and shop light, just for the things we need for the day (or two days) so most cases we will just carry things out in our arms.

Whenever we do this, every bagger and every cashier asks us 3-4 times, "are you sure you don't want a bag" "How are you going to carry that" or my favorite "Your pizza is going to thaw on you without a bag" WHAT?! Someone actually told me that with sincere concern. They are simply shocked that we are not taking a bag.

We are saddened that people don't take a more conscious effort toward something as simple as using less plastic bags at the grocery store. Many baggers (I used to be a bagger as a teenager at this particular grocery store) will even double bag your groceries for certain items. That's how we were taught to do it so the customer didn't leave and have a broken bag.

NOTE: Though plastic bags have only been around for 50 years or so, scientists estimate that it takes about 500 years for a plastic bag to decompose in a landfill. That's 5-6 life times!

It's also important to note that plastic bags can be recycled and I'm happy to say that I see plastic bag recycling boxes all over now. I also know that many people will use their plastic bags more than once for additional tasks around the home.

WHAT WE DID ABOUT THIS ISSUE: EARTH DAY April 22nd 2008
I don't want to come on this journal just whining about a problem, as martial arts leaders we should have some sort of proposed solutions right?

The week leading up to Earth Day this year we went to the local grocery store and asked for 300 paper bags. Our students decorated (colored) the bags with messages and pictures that had to do with Earth Day Awareness. Those bags were distributed to everyone that went shopping that day.

We were promoting that Paper is a much more environmentally friendly way to shop if you must take a bag and Cloth Bags are best. We also talked to the manager of the grocery store who ordered more cloth bags and they have since sold many more cloth grocery bags in their store. Also, they now give a $.05 discount on your groceries for every cloth bag that you bring in that day.

I like to think that we had something to with this although I feel that they may have been moving toward this already anyway. In either case, we took action on this issue. The students at our school learned a powerful leadership lesson in educating the community about plastic bags, they got to participate in an activity that involved our martial arts community, we got exposure for our martial arts school, and everyone felt great when we delivered those bags. (Not to mention the smiles that were brought out as a result of the children's decorations on the bags...Priceless)

~ Gary Engels

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