To Recycle or Not Recycle: Plastic Bags Edition

Plastic bags are one of the most common single-use plastics—and one of the most harmful to our environment. But with a few simple changes, we can all play a role in reducing plastic bag waste. Let’s go!

One of the easiest and most effective changes is switching to reusable tote bags. Tote bags are perfect for shopping trips, carrying groceries, or even packing lunch. Keep a few in your car or by your front door so you never forget them. 

For those times that we forgot our tote bags and have to use plastic bags, there are still ways you can reduce their waste. If you have bags at home don’t throw them out. Reuse them as trash can liners, lunch carriers, or for cleaning up after pets. You can also drop them off at designated recycling bins in many grocery stores and at our Green Stations. Most importantly, those plastic bags DO NOT go in your curbside recycling cart. 

Other ways to reduce plastic bag waste include refusing bags for small purchases like getting to-go food, using mesh produce bags, and supporting stores that offer paper or compostable alternatives.

Let’s reduce that pile of plastic grocery bags we have hidden in all our homes and let’s do it one tote bag at a time.