Peace and Environment News* July-August 1992
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Peace and Environment News * July-August 1992 |
by Hazel Jack
Bags should not be free
"Why don't more shoppers use reusable bags?" wonders a west-end reader who says she sometimes feels like "the only person in the city to refuse plastic and paper bags."
We did an informal survey and found that most people agree it is important to use cotton or string bags but they forget to bring them. Another reason they end up with plastic bags is that the cashier has their purchases bagged before they can get their reusable bags out. Some people are misled by the recycling logos on plastic shopping bags. According to Ruth Lotskar of the Consumer's Association of Canada Environment Committee, plastic bags should not be called recyclable. She says that very few plastic bags are collected to be made into something new. There is no market for used plastic bags, and recyclers who collect and bale plastic grocery bags are running out of storage space.
There are, of course, many negative aspects to using plastic bags, not the least being that plastic is a petrochemical product based on oil, a nonrenewable resource.
Others think it's O.K. to use paper bags because they are biodegradable. They should keep in mind, however, that during the fabrication of paper bags, trees are destroyed, the manufacturing process contaminates the environment, and transportation of the bags creates air pollution. In order to biodegrade, paper must be exposed to sunlight, air and water. If it ends up buried under a whole lot of material in a landfill site, it won't matter whether it is biodegradable or not.
So the bottom line is: use reusable bags yourself and urge relatives and friends to do the same.
Here are some tips: Always keep a couple of string bags in your handbag or pockets. They take very little space, are weightless and are very strong. If you drive a car, stash a few cotton bags away in the trunk. Suggest to the managers of the stores you frequent that they advise their personnel to ask if you need a bag. This allows shoppers time to remember their bags if they have brought them or to accept small purchases without bags. If your purchases are bagged before you can produce your reusable bag, smile, say "Thank you; I don't need a bag," and transfer them to your bag, returning the plastic bag.
If people had to pay for bags, they would be more likely to reuse them. Many of us feel that bags should not be free.
Paper recycling update
The Salvation Army's innovative paper recycling program has been put on hold pending the results of a marketing study being conducted at Kemptville Agricultural Society by the Ontario government. The recycling facility on Triole Street had been accepting any kind of paper not normally considered recyclable, including glossy magazines, construction paper, envelopes, and cardboard. This paper was sorted and shredded and made into animal bedding. When government funding ran out and the price of animal bedding dropped, the Army found that they could no longer afford to keep the program going. According to Al Verhey, distribution manager, the public was very supportive and there was no shortage of material. He is hopeful that the program can be revived. Apart from providing a unique recycling facility for the area, the program also provided employment for people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. We'll keep you posted.
Readers please note that Recuperation Cascades Inc. at 499 Industrial Ave. accepts all kinds of paper. Their phone number is 523-6761 Correction: new address & phone no: 1000 Belfast Rd. 244-4499. Collects many kinds of paper and cardboard from Industries, Companies, Governmental offices..
Summer tips
Here are some ideas to help you and the environment have a healthy summer.
Instead of slathering on pesticides and insecticides, eat oranges and other citrus fruits. Insects are repelled by the smell we give off when we eat these foods. Don't eat bananas before going outside—insects like this flavour. Avoid perfume and scented shampoo and deodorant, which will attract insects. Wear light coloured clothes. Put up a purple martin home.
Buy organically grown produce. Every Saturday between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M., organic farmers gather to sell their produce at Kingsway United Church, 630 Island Park Drive.
Save water. Use a rain barrel to collect water to be used on your garden, indoor plants or to wash the car. A large plastic garbage pail which holds 15 to 20 gallons of water works well.
Plant a tree to shade your house in summer and protect it from winter winds. Trees filter pollution, contribute oxygen, shelter birds and help to control global warming.
When you go on a picnic, make sure you bring a garbage free lunch. Buy your soft drinks in returnable bottles.
If you live in an anti-clothesline area, work to have the bylaws or rules changed. Lobby your neighbours and form a group. By using a clothesline instead of a dryer, you can cut back significantly on energy consumption and your house will stay cooler in summer.
Join an environmental group and become active in working towards a healthier planet.
Converted May 30, 2001 - Lg
To follow up on this article, contact the author or the organizations/individuals mentioned; do not contact the Peace and Environment Resource Centre - we cannot provide follow up or contact information. This article is an archival copy of the printed one in the Peace and Environment News (PEN). Viewpoints expressed should not be taken to represent the opinions of the Peace and Environment Resource Centre, the PEN, or our supporters.
