Paper With Your Plastic

I don't know what it's like where you live, but here in southcentral Pennsylvania, grocery stores make it tough to be earth-friendly. I'm lucky to have bought my own reusable bags years ago, when the supermarket I frequented wasn't afraid to sell practical, large-size bags. Those tiny totes I see in the stores now seem designed more for multiple bag sales than typical grocery hauls. If consumers have to buy 8 bags to carry a routine load, they'll probably just stick with the free plastic option.

Even though I provide my own 18 x 16 x 7-inch, breathable, moisture-proof bags, I still have to insist that store checkout clerks not ply me with plastic -- for frozen foods, produce, salad bar containers and any number of other items they deem "separate" or special. I also have to ask that they fill the bags completely; for some reason, they tend to fill them half-full, then reach again for the plastic. They have actually argued with me when I say that I prefer full bags, everything together. If this is the response we earth-conscious types get, how many patrons are going to adopt mindful habits?

My latest beef with grocers is paper-wasting receipts. Last week I bought three items from a local supermarket; my receipt was 30 inches long. I bought one item last night and got a 20-inch receipt. I'm not interested in the flower department's sale, the sandwich club or the "Golden Awards" program. I don't need to know that the pharmacy is now open. The logo alone takes up 2.5 inches. This isn't even a national chain, but a locally owned store. You would think that, whether or not they are eco-minded, they would embrace ways to reduce operating costs, and clearly they are using two-thirds more paper than necessary.

One UK grocer is doing its part: it prints receipts on both sides of the paper. Some advocate electronic receipts. Others suggest declining receipts when possible. For my part, I think I'll start with a letter to the local grocery store manager, asking for larger bring-your-own bags, a bit of education or training for employees and consideration of shorter receipts. If you have other suggestions, please share them.

Give Up the Gas

Recently New York City restricted seven miles of urban street for bicycle-only traffic. The “Summer Streets” event lasted only six hours, but it will be repeated two more times this month. By most accounts, the first outing was a great success.

As someone who loves her bicycle, I would be thrilled if it were easier and safer to get around on two wheels. I am not alone, according to the founders of Bicycle City, a group of ecological designers, environmentalists, architects and others who are planning eco-friendly communities, where cars are rarely used, around the globe. Find out if your city or town is on the list of potential locations for Bicycle City. Then tune up your two-wheeler and spread the news.

Earth Day Revisited

Since many of you are subscribers to Waking Up on the Planet who haven't received the e-news in awhile (see opening post about tech troubles), I thought I'd provide some of the April issue's content here -- tips for honoring Earth Day,which surely should extend beyond a single day on the calendar. Thse simple actions can become habits that transform your relationship with all living things -- every day of the year.

> Cut down on your gas consumption by properly inflating your tires.
> Buy green tee shirts. Not the color green (unless you like it), but green as in "eco-friendly," made from organic cotton or hemp. Some sources include Patagonia and American Apparel’s "Sustainable Edition" line.
> Replace chemical-heavy household cleaners with eco-friendly versions like those from Seventh Generation or Ecover. Discover the cleaning power of simple vinegar and water.
> Choose organic gardening products and techniques this year instead of toxic pesticides and wasteful practices. Ask your county extension service for advice, or visit OrganicGardening.com.
> Replace at least some of the conventional lightbulbs in your home with compact fluorescent bulbs.
> Support local food producers, which cuts down on energy used to transport foods around the country. Buy from local food markets and produce stands, and buy organic when you can.
> Get more ideas and share your own with like minds at Grist.org or GreenThinkers.org.

Happy Earth Day -- all year long.