When shopping for fruits and vegetables, I don't use separate bags for each item. I don't use any except for grapes. The fruits and vegetables have all been handled already by farmers, growers, shippers, and at the store for the displays. It just makes no sense to add to the plastic bag problem to put two apples in one, two tomatoes in another, etc, each in their own separate plastic bags which are then all put into another plastic bag or two at checkout. I stopped doing that about 16 years ago.
Also, at the drug store, you can usually put the medicine bottle or container right in your pocket or pocket book. They don't need to secure it in a bag, staple it shut and then place that in a plastic bag. Just say no, I'll take it without a bag, thank you.
I don't purchase plastic garbage bags. I use the ones from the stores that the groceries come in and line all the garbage containers in the house with them. It is still not good but at least they are used twice before being discarded. When I shop in stores that use paper bags, I save them and bring them back to the store the next time I shop there. I keep the stack in my car (a Hybrid!). I've changed most of the light bulbs in the house to the energy efficient squiqqly ones.
I only purchase paper plates and cups, not the Styrofoam ones. And for about 18 years now I have been using cloth napkins at all meals. With napkin rings, they can be used over again by the same person and they don't take up a lot of room in the washer and dryer. (And I always iron them for additional sanitation.) I have clean towels in the kitchen for dishes and hands and keep the roll of paper towels out of sight but available if needed (like micro-waving potatoes or bacon).
Margaret Brower
Social Worker
Parker Jewish Institute
New York City
