the future of plastics

inch by inch, bag by bag, i've been making baby steps to live more "green".  one of those steps has been my stack of canvas bags to use when i go food shopping – but remembering to bring them with me is the difficult part.  so, i started carrying at least one around at all times. it's a friendly reminder, that makes me aware just how often i add to my plastic bag collection.

so, much like the rest of the world, i was intrigued to hear the city of san francisco announce a ban -- never tried before by a united states city -- on plastic shopping bags.  in the near future, grocery stores, and large pharmacies, will only be allowed to use recycled or compostable bags. it raises, once again, the never ending debate ... is it better to use plastic or paper?

neither really.  but you can't just take away the bags and make everyone bring their own -- could you? 

in the city of berlin many stores charge you a small fee if you use one of their bags.  it seems, from what i observed, that most locals carry around their own shopping bags.  it's not specific to people who shop at the bio-friendly stores.  it's everywhere.

here in the states, bulk stores – like costco – make you bring your own bags, or use boxes they've emptied from stocking the shelves.  and, whole foods -- a shop you would think would inspire you to bring your own bag -- still provides you with bags, but is trying the opposite of berlin's plan.  they credit you a small amount if you bring your own bags.  in fact, they give you the option to take the credit or collect a token. the token allows you to pass your credit on to one of their preselected non-profit organizations, by placing it in the appropriate jar by the door.

it has me wondering what method would really work here in the states?  because i find it rather sad that it might take a governmental initiative to shift our patterns! so, outside of laying down the law, how do you get an entire culture to shift from "paper or plastic?" to "may i fill your canvas bags for you?"