We have all walked into a store without our reusable shopping bags, even those of us who are the most prepared.
Well intended as we may be at times, life gets in the way and can foil even the best laid plans.
Let’s Talk Trash team provides hope that even when bags are forgotten, incurring the guilt of taking home a single-use shopping bag may not be necessary. A shopper who does not have a reusable bag just has to become a little creative.
Many stores have cardboard boxes taking up space in storerooms that employees or owners would be happy to offer for carrying purchases. This might become a regular habit once shoppers realize how sturdy they are.
For a small shopping excursion, most of the items might fit in a purse or backpack, or hands can be used for heavier items until arriving at the car or bike for loading. If learning through a little disciplining is best, then wait to shop until the bags are on hand.
Another option will soon be available thanks to the Boomerang Bag project. Starting Thursday, November 30, shoppers at Save-On-Foods will be able to deal with a day of forgetfulness. Volunteers and local businesses have collaborated under the leadership of eco-activist Lesley Thorsell to sew or donate fabric shopping bags to the project.
Cotton bags with the Boomerang Bag logo, 700 in total, will be available for customers to borrow and then return during their next shop. It is a simple idea based on the honour system and has been working across Canada and as far abroad as New Zealand.
Single-use shopping bags are becoming recognized the world over as an environmental nightmare. Marine life mistakes them for food, they clog storm drains and come to rest in landfills after only being used a few times.
Metro Vancouver and City of Victoria are currently contemplating single-use shopping bag bans and Powell River may not be far behind.
Let’s Talk Trash is Powell River Regional District’s waste-management education program.
