So do I.

I wonder though...if they plan to stop using plastic bags, what about disposable plastics in the home...Ziplocks, plastic wrap, plates, ect?

 

 

Good question. But they probably won't say much about those, big corporations make too much money from them.

Will plastic grocery bags make that much of a difference then?

 

They'll make some, but I doubt it will be all that much in the overall picture. We should be thinking of alternatives to those other things, too, in the name of frugality. People didn't use to have plastic wrap or baggies.

I choose  re-useable things over disposables for frugal reasons first. Then cloth is healthier for us in some ways. I got caught up in contemplating a larger or world picture of the benefits of re-useable products. On that last one, I guess we can only do our part eh?

I have been considering the alternatives to small waste bags and large ones. I am not sure that newspaper is adequate but I could cut down a lot by having seperate bins for different things like small containers to hold scraps for the dog and things that could be composted (even if I don't need a compost pile now), a container to toss paper in for the burn barrel and one for items that must be out for the garbageman.

And if I can get this all together, I don't need the garbageman. We can set the bags aside for a monthly trek to the dump.

 

 

I forgot I wanted to share that I got Frank interested in a thermos system I found. We have been trying to decide what sort of food containers would be easy for him to take lunch to work. When we go shopping, we want to see if we can actually find it in a store.

This would definitely cut down on meal costs and I prefer washable containers to disposables like Ziplocks.

 

helen:

That's the big problem with reusables: you -have- to wash stuff, and sometimes it does get too much. I think there's no way I could have coped using 100% cloth nappies, and forget washing cloth wipes!  With such a hectic life and so little time at home, I don't see how you can get around using bags for lunches. It might be something to consider for later though (when the dishwasher is working, or when you have more time.)

Our lifestyles cause a problem with reusable things. I think using disposable stuff is just a part of a bigger problem of being too busy, which causes a lot of other problems, too.

 

Hi Grandma,

Life does sometimes get too busy. I used to cloth diapers and cloth wipes...both are well worth the savings. But I got to a point where I was unable to keep up with the washing. I do recommend these over disposables if at all possible to expecting mothers.

 

A bunch of ideas for this thread -- Brandy, teh new San Francisco ordinance regards only plastic shopping bags.  Just like your comment, opponents of the law have said that the ban will only increase purchasae of plastic goods such as GLAD bags.  This is quite likely, so the ban is short-sighted.

Pat, I've heard that wax paper biodegrades - I could be wrong about this, so please check it out if you have time, AND I apologize for not having had a chance myself to GOOGLE this issue.

Brandy, I recycle plastic & paper, but do not do any of the other wonderful things that you are doing (readying compost, for example). 

The person who handles the trash in this apartment building would not appreciate it, whoever suggested this or intimated it, if we did not use tied GLAD or generic or HEFTY garbage bags, so I have no alternative there.

Dear Brandy, As to your husband's lunch, I received as a rebate a vinyl lunchbag with handles, big enough to hold a plastic box for salad, fruit, & a small can of juice.  (I also carry water.)  This would not be a hard sewing project, & I'd be glad to supply you with directions, if you'd like to yourself or to ask someone else to sew it.