The Green Bag and I
Determined to make changes so my stay here on earth will leave minimal impact on its resources, I purchased a green bag. Always one to make small changes and work toward perfection, I bought only one and placed it beside the back door.
The green bag made it as far as the car four out of ten trips to the store. It made it all the way to the inside of the store two times out of the four. But during those two transactions, once I was distracted and the merchandise never made it to the bag. One out of ten completed missions is not a good success rate, but I was determined to persevere, so I bought six more. This time I placed them on the passenger seat of my car. Surely, I wouldn’t forget those bright green bags placed in plain sight. But I did. My inner Mom and my inner child had a discussion, I backtracked and got the bags. After doing this several times, I remembered. Sometimes there were distractions at the register, and the bags were forgotten, but more and more often there was success.
I was proud of myself. Management and employees validated my efforts with positive comments and praises. Most management, and most staff, that is. Some people did not appreciate my efforts. They had one way of doing things and I was a stumbling block. But once again I persevered. I became politely determined. Nowadays, I say, “I realize the plastic bags on the carousel are faster and easier, but it only takes a few seconds more to use my bags. I’ll help.” I smile and place my items in my bags. I follow up by sending an email to the main office asking for their cooperation. In the email I point out that a few stores are even giving a small discount if you bring your own bag. It is very small, but still, it is getting the word out and shows increased concern.
The green bags have other virtues in addition to being environmentally friendly. They are roomy, sturdy, and strong. Merchandise no longer rolls out in the car. Jars never fall through the bottom and smash on the kitchen floor. They sit neatly on my table and counter tops while I unload them. They are ideal for giving the gift of groceries to an out-of-work friend. Decorated with pretty ribbon, the bright green makes them great gift bags. The tote bags will probably be used longer than the gift.
And strangely, they are friendly in another way. Many interesting conversations have begun with comments on my green bag. I was even asked to watch another shopper’s cart while she went back to her car for her bags. She said I inspired her. Recently, as I filled one with recycled books, housewares, and fresh produce at the local flea market, several people started conversations with me. A dealer even reduced the price of some pots and pans because I was being good to the world.
My grandmother’s motto was: Use it up. Wear It Out. Make it do. It was necessary so much of her life that she carried it into her more prosperous latter years. She used every scrap of material when she sewed, insisted paste made with flour and water was cheaper and better than store- bought, washed and reused every jar, and used all leftover food in soups and stews.
While we don’t want to go back to the days of the depression and World War II, we need to incorporate some of our forefathers’ frugal habits to save the planet. The thrift shops, garage sales, and flea markets are overflowing with almost-new items. Sometimes, you even find brand-new items which can be purchased for a fraction of the store price. Do you want a manufactured rag-rug which is somewhat like Grandma made, or would you rather have one made by a local craftsman, who is concerned about the environment, and uses organic and recycled materials? If we can’t use it up, wear it out, or make it do, let’s pass it on. Donations are always needed by churches, schools, organizations, and thrift shops.
Yes, I have become fond of my green bags. I shop at flea markets and thrift shops. I donate reusables.
One step at a time, a little change here, and a little change there; perseverance and determination will make a big difference. It is a good feeling to make a lower environmental impact.
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