| Canvas or Plastic Grocery Bags? |
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| Environment - Environment |
| Written by Alex Pastlin |
| Wednesday, 10 June 2009 08:09 |
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As shoppers, we have been aware for a while of the fact that plastic bags are not environmentally friendly and that even paper bags are better for the planet. But, are the presence of canvas bags for sale in grocery stores an attempt on the stores' part to be "green" or are they simply just trying to get their shoppers to throw one more item into the cart?
As shoppers, we have been aware for a while of the fact that plastic bags are not environmentally friendly and that even paper bags are better for the planet. But, are the presence of canvas bags for sale in grocery stores an attempt on the stores' part to be "green" or are they simply just trying to get their shoppers to throw one more item into the cart? In some countries, it makes sense to bring your own canvas bag into the store because some places charge their customers for the bags that their groceries get put into-even the cheap plastic ones. In countries like Ireland, who has put a customer tax on the plastic bags themselves, it's cheaper to take your own bag than to rely on the ones at the store. On the other hand, the United States is more dependent on their cars than some other countries. When customers walk, ride a bike, or take public transport to the grocery store, they tend to buy fewer items at once, although they might visit more often. In the United States, with our abundance of large vehicles and long distances, shoppers tend to visit the grocery store just a couple of times per month and buy large quantities at once. For this kind of shopping, is it practical to use canvas bags when one shopping trip alone can garner more than a dozen of the plastic bags? Yet, we still know that canvas is better for the environment. Some cities in the United States are now making laws to try to curb our plastic habit. San Francisco recently passed a law making it illegal for large grocery stores to use plastic bags. As an alternative, they offer biodegradable paper bags. Boston is also considering doing this, although some customers allege that doing this causes a new kind of problem with the environment-the cutting down of trees. However, most shoppers report that they have made the switch to canvas bags and feel good about themselves. They say that it's rewarding to feel as if they are doing their part in "going green." Although less than 3% of plastic bags are recycled and many end up in landfills, flying through the air on windy days, and clogging city drains, some people have found creative ways to re-use the bags. Some shoppers report that they have used them to line kitty-litter boxes or to use in small garbage cans throughout the house. There is also the argument that plastic bags are being made of a poorer quality than in the past and that the canvas bags actually do a better job of holding the groceries in. True, for most heavy purchases, the plastic bags have to be doubled, while the canvas bag can hold more weight. Also, plastic bags run the risk of tearing when the corner of a cereal box cuts into it at just the right angle. Paper bags of the past were more environmentally friendly, but they weren't always user-friendly. Most lacked handles and were hard to carry. Canvas bags have handles, making them easier to tote around. If customers don't want to purchase a canvas bag at the grocery store, they can always find them online or in other shops. There are many websites that sell canvas grocery bags and they can usually be personalized as well. If you shop around, you can find canvas bags that have shoulder straps, as well as handles, making them easier to carry if you are walking a longer distance. Switching to canvas bags might take some readjusting on the shopper's part. An idea is to make several small trips to the store instead of one or two large trips. Or, shoppers can just buy several canvas bags to use every time they go. While canvas bags tend to run around $2 per bag if purchased at the store, they do tend to last for a long time. If used properly, they should last the customer at least six months. They can also be washed and are sometimes made from recycled material, for those who are really into "being green." For now, using the canvas bags is mostly a choice on the shopper's part. However, if more laws are passed in the future, it might not be up to the customer which type of bag they use. For that reason, it might be wise to go ahead and start getting used to the canvas. About the Author: Want to save some dough on your next visit to the supermarket? Check out 4GrocerySavings.com to find free grocery coupons as well as advice on how to be a smart shopper and save at the supermarket. |