02-09-2013, 07:12 AM
Good point Rob. We forget our bags for 2 reasons: 1) We're gettin' old and the memory is the 2nd thing to go (can't for the life of me remember the first 
and 2) It's a new situation so we haven't worked it into our routine yet. Eventually we'll come around and get in the habit of bringing our own bag.
As for the sanitary angle, the grocery carts are a great example. To which I'd add the following: did the guy who works in the produce department wash his hands after that restroom break? How about all the folks who fondle the produce before deciding which head of lettuce to buy? And we can't forget the cashier, how about her sanitary habits? All unknowns, out of our control. So the best we can do is wash our own hands, our reusable bags, along with that head of lettuce. Problem solved.
My point? We can find lots of excuses NOT to do whatever we don't want to do. But we tend to be selective in fitting the "logic" to whatever our agenda happens to be (including banning plastic bags while we continue a consumer lifestyle that does even more damage to the environment).
Is banning plastic bags a step in the right direction? Or just a smaller step in the wrong direction?
And can the "free market" find a better solution? I have my doubts, only because the premise of the free market (which really isn't "free") is short-term profits based on consumerism (the more the better), both notions completely counter to a sustainable lifestyle.
Ideally I'd support vendors selling plastic bags along with education. Always wondered if there's a niche in the market for a store that sells "unpackaged" goods (example: in sanitary bins, crates, barrels, whatever). I imagine that's how supply stores were back in the day. The draw would have to be reduced prices due to no packaging costs. Returnable bins (for example) could be bought and reused at the store. Might be a loopy idea, but would like to see someone try it one day. I'd shop there if the price was right!
As you can see I don't have any answers...but I've got no shortage of questions!
and 2) It's a new situation so we haven't worked it into our routine yet. Eventually we'll come around and get in the habit of bringing our own bag.As for the sanitary angle, the grocery carts are a great example. To which I'd add the following: did the guy who works in the produce department wash his hands after that restroom break? How about all the folks who fondle the produce before deciding which head of lettuce to buy? And we can't forget the cashier, how about her sanitary habits? All unknowns, out of our control. So the best we can do is wash our own hands, our reusable bags, along with that head of lettuce. Problem solved.
My point? We can find lots of excuses NOT to do whatever we don't want to do. But we tend to be selective in fitting the "logic" to whatever our agenda happens to be (including banning plastic bags while we continue a consumer lifestyle that does even more damage to the environment).
Is banning plastic bags a step in the right direction? Or just a smaller step in the wrong direction?
And can the "free market" find a better solution? I have my doubts, only because the premise of the free market (which really isn't "free") is short-term profits based on consumerism (the more the better), both notions completely counter to a sustainable lifestyle.
Ideally I'd support vendors selling plastic bags along with education. Always wondered if there's a niche in the market for a store that sells "unpackaged" goods (example: in sanitary bins, crates, barrels, whatever). I imagine that's how supply stores were back in the day. The draw would have to be reduced prices due to no packaging costs. Returnable bins (for example) could be bought and reused at the store. Might be a loopy idea, but would like to see someone try it one day. I'd shop there if the price was right!
As you can see I don't have any answers...but I've got no shortage of questions!
Tim
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions--Confucius
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions--Confucius