Originally published Sept 21/16 The Reminder. Flin Flon, Mb. Sponsored by North of 53 Consumers Coop.
Over the summer we have researched the idea of banning single use plastic bags. It seems to be a good idea because of litter problems and the effects of plastic collecting in oceans.
A friend sent an article comparing the effect on the environment of using a plastic bag and a reusable cotton bag. The cotton bag needed to be used 393 times to equal the effect on the environment of using one plastic bag three times. It counted the environmental impact of making each bag including the carbon emissions and fertilizer from growing the cotton.
If the reusable bag isn’t cotton, the big picture is much better.
It seems so complicated!
Scientists continue to discover how complicated and interactive the Earth’s systems are. Much of the mess we have is because we don’t understand this and/or we don’t care. Most people are focused on convenience and making money.
Our economic system is also very complicated. I read of a power company canceling its solar power program for households because with so many people producing their own power the company wasn’t making as much money.
It may feel like ‘Why should I change anything? It won’t make a difference anyway.’
Consider this. I purchased 6 reusable shopping bags in 1989. As a result I have used at least 5,000 fewer plastic bags.
The effects of your efforts do add up.
Some changes seem too tough, but without change the consequences will be even tougher.
So do something. Be informed. Continue to make changes.
Reduce how much of everything you use. Reuse and recycle what you can.
Think globally about how things affect the earth. Act locally in your home and community.
Over the summer we have researched the idea of banning single use plastic bags. It seems to be a good idea because of litter problems and the effects of plastic collecting in oceans.
A friend sent an article comparing the effect on the environment of using a plastic bag and a reusable cotton bag. The cotton bag needed to be used 393 times to equal the effect on the environment of using one plastic bag three times. It counted the environmental impact of making each bag including the carbon emissions and fertilizer from growing the cotton.
If the reusable bag isn’t cotton, the big picture is much better.
It seems so complicated!
Scientists continue to discover how complicated and interactive the Earth’s systems are. Much of the mess we have is because we don’t understand this and/or we don’t care. Most people are focused on convenience and making money.
Our economic system is also very complicated. I read of a power company canceling its solar power program for households because with so many people producing their own power the company wasn’t making as much money.
It may feel like ‘Why should I change anything? It won’t make a difference anyway.’
Consider this. I purchased 6 reusable shopping bags in 1989. As a result I have used at least 5,000 fewer plastic bags.
The effects of your efforts do add up.
Some changes seem too tough, but without change the consequences will be even tougher.
So do something. Be informed. Continue to make changes.
Reduce how much of everything you use. Reuse and recycle what you can.
Think globally about how things affect the earth. Act locally in your home and community.
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