A few years ago supermarkets introduced the 5p charge for using plastic bags, to encourage us to use them less, at the same time they introduced “the bag for life” A bag that in theory was twice as strong as a normal plastic carrier bag, that could be re-used multiple times.
Unfortunately, this plan is flawed because to make these “bags for life” they require nearly two times the amount of plastic to make as a normal carrier bag (Sometimes more), and because we are human, we don’t always carry one with us, so we end up buying more when we inevitably forget one, hands up how many of you have gone to the shops, forgot a bag and just “brought a new one” I’m very guilty of this. So we end up buying more bags for life than we need, using more plastic, and because we end up with so many, we get tired of a draw full of these bags for life and just throw them in the trash, where they end up at landfill sites.
So this is where a trend started with Tote bags, these are bags made from a material that can be washed and reused, they contain no plastic what so ever, they come in all shapes and sizes and look beautiful, its a brilliant idea to help combat the bag for life cycle and be more environmentally friendly.
But again this is also a little flawed, according to studies by the environment agency, these tote bags are not as green as you would think, as most of these bags are made in places like China and East Asia, the manufacturing and shipping to us in the UK creates such a large carbon footprint, you would need to use your tote bag 131 times to have the same carbon footprint a using a plastic bag just once! Its crazy isn’t it, but there are solutions and that’s where this page is here to help. Ive found some fantastic ideas to re-use old clothes like t-shirts and jeans to turn them into useable tote bags. Thus reducing the need to order material from China, and allowing you to be more green 😉
Encourage others, its tough making changes, but we all can do our little bit, remember when we all moaned about the bag scrappage scheme, now its second nature, do what you can to lead by example.
Change your shopping habits, some eco items can look more expensive, but take the time to work out the cost, some eco items last longer for a few extra pence, and you are doing your bit to protect the world
Join our community of like-minded individuals, were not aiming to change everyone, and won’t force people to do it, share your ideas, ask questions, and just join the revolution
Encourage people to think about what they throw in landfills, and look at ways to reduce there waste
Help children and there generation find ways to protect our planet, our animals, our sea, and our climate.
Find ways to go plastic-free, but within a way that’s comfortable for your budget, and your lifestyle, We are not aiming to change the world just our little bit, everything helps, no matter how small
Encourage others, its tough making changes, but we all can do our little bit, remember when we all moaned about the bag scrappage scheme, now its second nature, do what you can to lead by example.
Change your shopping habits, some eco items can look more expensive, but take the time to work out the cost, some eco items last longer for a few extra pence, and you are doing your bit to protect the world
Join our community of like-minded individuals, were not aiming to change everyone, and won’t force people to do it, share your ideas, ask questions, and just join the revolution
Encourage people to think about what they throw in landfills, and look at ways to reduce there waste
Help children and there generation find ways to protect our planet, our animals, our sea, and our climate.
Find ways to go plastic-free, but within a way that’s comfortable for your budget, and your lifestyle, We are not aiming to change the world just our little bit, everything helps, no matter how small
Website Copyright Of Christchurch Eco 2021