Cutting Down Plastic Bags Going To The Dump

The inevitable question is "paper or plastic?" The plastic bag people say they’re saving trees by not using paper bags. The paper bag people say they’re keeping plastic bags from getting into the ocean and harming the fish. How can you get around this predicament?

1. If you are buying something small or easy to carry, consider not getting a bag at all.
2.  Use canvas/cloth bags. They are reusable and much prettier than either plastic or paper. Reusablebags.com has a great selection of options.
3. Don't forget about reusable bags for produce items!  Either sew your own smaller bags, or check out a site like www.ecobags.com/Our_Products/Produce_Bags to buy online.
4. Try adopting something like the Japanese furoshiki. The furoshiki is traditional piece of cloth used to transport food, clothes, or gifts. But in this case, the cloth can be folded in such a way that it replaces a bag. Japan’s Ministry of the Environment has recommendations of common ways to fold a furoshiki (see below)

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I know there are more ways than this - help out Huddlers!