Do you really need that bag?

Seriously...what's with people in grocery stores and the s%&#@d plastic bags available at every corner? Do you really need your bananas in an individual plastic bag? Do you eat the peel or something? Not to mention that you could be bringing your own plastic bags, like the ones you have to buy because you kind of have no choice (i.e sliced bread bags).

Pause for a second and think how much plastic usage you could reduce if you would stop putting everything in a plastic bag.  Even lettuce, which I'm sure you'll argue needs a bag (not a new one it doesn't) I would encourage you not to put it in a bag.  You bring it home and wash it anyway don't you? See? No bag needed.  Same goes for apples, lemons, oranges, pears you name it.  If you do need to buy enough to feed an army, again bring your own bag (a/k/a "BOB") otherwise, place them in your cart and that's that.

Another suggestion I have is to make your own bags out of cheap material if you feel Martha Stewart-ish one day, or again, keep random plastic bags you come across from other packaging.  Even ziplock bags that look worn out (because I know you wash and reuse them :), you can use to bring home the fresh produce.   Here, I did a quick search on Google and found this link for Reusable Produce Bags.

Just give it a try, you'll be so satisfied when you will look in your cart and realize you have so much less plastic than usual.  Or maybe it's just me getting excited about things like that?

Go green!