Plastic Bagless in 2009?

As 2009 approaches, it is time to start thinking about making resolutions and goals for the upcoming year. The writers at Buffalo Locavore have all committed ourselves to trying to make food choices that are more local, more sustainable, and less processed as much as is possible. If you are reading our blog, you have probably made the same commitment.

I would like to propose another resolution for the readers and writers at Buffalo Locavore--no more plastic bags in 2009. Let's think of it as a challenge to see how well we can do when we try to shop solely using reusable bags. Capacious but foldable fabric bags are readily available at a number of places, Wegmans and Tops each sell fabric grocery bags that hold a lot and are inexpensive, and the Lexington Co-Op has great canvas bags. If you carry a large tote bag for work or are just buying a few small things, you won't even need an additional bag.

I always bring my reusable bags to the grocery store, and people often stop me to ask how it is I manage to remember to bring them. I have a basket near my door where I keep them all neatly folded, ready to grab when I head out the door. My husband keeps an extra one in his car so he always has one on hand. I also bought some foldable bags made out of ripstop nylon that fit in my purse and go with me everywhere.

So, if you want to join the challenge, post a comment below and we'll check in periodically to see how far we can go.