We’ve all heard that plastic bags are made from a non-renewable resource, they are dangerous to wildlife and marine animals, and that they never completely break down when land filled.

Some countries have banned the use of plastic bags, others charge a fee for each bag used encouraging the use of cloth bags. California has banned the use of plastic bags in that state.

Here in Alabama, plastic bags are readily available. If you choose to continue accepting them, be sure to reuse them for another purpose before discarding them, and never place loose plastic bags in your trash can. They are easily caught by the wind when trash cans are dumped and end up hanging from trees and fences, clogging up drains, and injuring wildlife.

So what is one to do? Buy a brand new bag…or three or five! The cloth bags that are available for purchase are terrific for carrying groceries. They hold more, they are easier to carry, and they don’t fall over as easily in the car…so you have fewer cans of diced tomatoes under the back seat!

My biggest problem was remembering to take them into the grocery store. I appreciate the sign that Publix has in front of the store reminding customers to remember to bring their bags. I now keep them in my car at all times so if I make an unplanned stop at the store my bags are already with me.

We have all learned to change habits over the years. We’ve learned to buckle up our seatbelts before we head out in our cars…we can learn to use cloth bags instead of plastic. It’s just one more step that one person can take to live a more earth-friendly life.

These bags are not expensive. Some are as little as $.50. Most are about $1.00. If you watch sale ads, you can often pick up a bag or two free of charge. Most every store you go into will have bags for sale…grocery stores, dollar stores, and home improvement stores all have cloth bags available.

Have you ever wondered if it is "politically correct" to take a bag from one store and use it in another store? It is accepted and expected! Just collect those bags and use them whenever and wherever you go shopping!

Paper or plastic? Neither!