A few return trips to the van to collect her cloth bags has helped Kim Nicholson-Messmer break the habit of using store plastic or paper bags.
    Besides being better for the environment,  reusable bags have other advantages. One or two good size bags can take the place of 6-8 plastic grocery bags. Unlike single use grocery bags, cloth bags have a sturdy pleasant feel and comfortable handles that can go over your shoulder.
    When grocery shopping, Kim Nicholson-Messmer takes at least two insulated bags for keeping frozen and refrigerated items cold during the ride home.  
    Kim has many bags she has received as gifts or found at thrift stores over the years.  Her favorite bag story involves a large canvas bag she found at the Convenience Center in Garrard County.  After a good cleaning, it has held up well for 7 years. 

    Americans use about 100 billion plastic bags each year, which persist in the environment for centuries.  Millions of barrels of oil are used to make them. Because they catch the wind so easily, many get loose and cause unsightly litter. Sometimes they end up clogging storm drains, or end up in our rivers, lakes and oceans, killing aquatic life.  Paper grocery bags are not a good alternative because of the energy and trees needed to make and transport them.
    Reusable bags are best. But when you do use a plastic bag, remember to bring it to a store that recycles them! Now only 2-3% of plastic bags are being recycled in the US.

Copyright 2007 Christine Missik