QC DIY: Stop Using Plastic Bags
Paper or plastic? It's a lose-lose situation. Go with paper and you're tearing down trees and rainforests and killing Bambi. Go with plastic, and it'll be in a landfill for at least 10 to 20 years. Mother Nature is a harsh and unforgiving mistress. Fuck with her now and she'll fuck your children later.
Thankfully, you can sidestep this ecological conundrum by using Furoshiki, the Japanese tradition of using cloth to wrap and carry things. This instructional video above presents the perfect, eco-minded, and stylish solution for gift wrapping and grocery shopping.
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31. Aug. 08
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QC Asians
Reader Comments
Your 2¢, in chronological order — add your comment below.
I think this is an awesome idea. I am American living abroad and was abhorred 3 years ago when upon arrival, I was forced to pay for bags at the grocery store (only option was plastic). From that moment, I did buy heavy reusable bags, but at least made from recycled plastic. They work. I use them for small daily purchases and for larger purchases I use trolleycart. Living near the store helps a lot, as I can walk and have no need to drive (saving even more!).
Not only will this save landfills and trees, but also reduce our dependency on petroleum.
As this world seems to become scarier and crazier everyday, I am starting to see that every little bit helps. What I do, as one person, may not have a great effect on the world, but what we can do as a collective whole really can make a huge difference.
I read online that a major home furnishing company reduced its use of plastic bags by 64 million bags in 2007 simply by charging 5 cents a bag (this happened in the USA!). That is A LOT of plastic bags.
I also read that the city of Seattle will impose a tax starting next year.
The world is waking up.... are you?
10 to 20 years for plastic to degrade? I think 500 to 1000 years is a better estimate.
ditto to revox.
stop using plastic bags when grocery shopping, use recycable bags! it's easy and don't be lazy!
Wow! I would so get my ass kicked if I did this at my local grocery store.... I live in a small town. :)
If you must shun any non-disposable bag or basket found in practically every home, in favour of the furoshiki, then prepare to take several times as many trips to the grocers each time (or have a bag full of furoshiki).
1 The Japanese themselves separately pack most items they carry in a furoshiki--it's more double-packaging than reduced-packaging.
2 Even the Japanese don't use furoshiki for grocery shopping.