We are constantly learning about the world we live in. From the ways that the natural earth provides for us living beings to understanding the differences between the many diverse individuals inhabiting the same communities and societies, forward motion is always possible when people are willing to learn new and better ways of interacting with each other and with the planet. Sometimes this can feel like a daunting task, but there are small things that every person can do to make the world a better place.
Being mindful of your consumption and waste habits
Over time, humans have shown the impressive levels of ingenuity and inventiveness that we are capable of. However, until relatively recently, there was unfortunately not a focus on how that progress affected the environment. Many species of plants and animals have disappeared completely because of the carelessness of human expansion and development. But things are changing. Many people are starting to wake up to the truth and severity of the situation, and spreading awareness to those around them through their actions. There has indeed been quite a negative impact on the planet, and reversing that damage looks like a major undertaking. But when everyone makes a conscious effort and commitment to changing a few small things at a time, that impact can start to become positive.
One seemingly small thing that you can do, that is actually quite significant, is ditch the all too easy habit of using plastic bags. Getting reusable bags for as many things as you can think of, and keeping them with you, will prevent you from gathering a stockpile of plastic bags that will just end up in the overflowing landfills. From grocery bags to Halloween trick or treat bags and fabulously personalized wine totes, the benefits of reusable bags go beyond just showing off your impeccable style. You are taking major strides to save the planet as well.
The futility of the plastic bag
It is incredibly easy to contribute to the plastic problem. How many times do you go to the store, intending not to use any bags, but end up needing just a couple? The average plastic bag is only used for about 25 minutes, an astonishingly short amount of time, especially considering the fact that it can take 1,000 years to degrade in a landfill. Across the country, there are about 100 billion plastic bags that are used each and every year, and every person on average can use between 350 and 500 plastic bags in a year. And only about 2% of those bags are recycled. By making a point to recycle and reuse the plastic you do have, and by bringing reusable bags and personalized wine totes with you instead, you are cutting way back on the waste.
Some people attempt to avoid this ridiculous use of plastic by using paper bags at the grocery store instead. However that has its own issues, as the necessary tree pulp for the production of paper bags means cutting down an excessive number of trees. Over the course of one year alone, 14 million trees were chopped down in order to produce the 10 billion grocery bags that were used that year. Reusable grocery bags and personalized wine totes that help you express your own style are a much better solution.
It has been estimated that just one reusable bag can last long enough to equal the use of over 700 disposable plastic bags. So find a grocery bag, personalized wine tote, or other similar bag that you can use and help save the planet.
