Remember your Reusable Bags
Let’s start a long term relationship with our shopping bags! Reusable bags are not only more durable and more stylish than single-use plastic bags, they also protect our oceans and reduce carbon emissions.
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
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Many plastic bags end up in the ocean, killing 100,000 marine animals every year
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They are hard to recycle - only 1% of plastic bags ever get recycled
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Plastic bags that are thrown away take 500-1,000 years or more to degrade
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Plastic bags are made from fossil fuels and create carbon emissions
Paper bags also have a big impact - Americans use 10 billion paper bags a year, which equals 14 million trees.
The great news - it’s easy to ditch single-use bags! Just bring your own reusable bag to the store. You can even save money! Many stores charge a $0.10 fee per paper or plastic bag, and some will even give you a discount if you bring your own instead.
Switch to reusable bags today, and you’ll help reduce carbon emissions and protect marine life.
1Choose your bags
Choose a few bags that work for you. Chances are you already have a few reusable bags around the house. Anything durable will work for groceries and other shopping trips. If you need to buy a couple, your local grocery store and most retailers now sell reusable bags for a few dollars.
2Bring your bags
Remember your bags! Make sure you have your bags handy for your next shopping trip! After you use them, remember to put them back in your car, backpack, purse or briefcase (wherever you need them) so they are ready to go for next time.
Extra Credit - Be an advocate! Cities and towns across the country are passing fees or even bans on plastic bags. Where does your community stand on these issues? Get involved in a local campaign or let your representative know how important this issue is to you.
While it’s incredible for you to make these choices on your own, it’s even more impactful for you to team up with your neighbors and make reusable products the standard for your community.