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True Confessions: Trash Bags

In a Gawker-inspired fit of inspiration, I've decided that occasionally, I'll write an ongoing blog version that just lays out all the ways I mess up in my green life.  Since the "no one's perfect, but we're all getting a little better every day" mantra runs throughout our entire worldview here at the Bite, I think it's only fair that I/we occasionally confess.  Welcome to Part 1 of True Confessions: The One About the Trash Bags.

So here's the deal.  I LOVE the Real Simple trash cans.  Love 'em.  Bought 3 (compost, trash, recycling).  The recycling one is HUGE (since our Biter team often hangs at my house, we go through a lot of kombucha bottles and Amy's pizza boxes...).  And yes, I DO use old plastic grocery bags to line the one I use for trash.  But as for lining the recycling bin???

I got completely suckered into buying the lovely Real Simple trashcan liners for the big recycling one.  Nothing else seems to fit as well.  I make myself feel a little better by re-using the same liner as long as possible (I dump the recycling contents into the bin and then put the liner back into the can for about 3 "rounds"), but still.  Seems a little stupid to buy something just to throw it away...  However, try as I might, I can't handle not lining the can, because it starts to smell bad, and I'm too lazy to wash out the whole thing thoroughly each week.  I suck.

-Heather... of to contemplate what I need to give up to make up for my trash liner fetish...

Posted by: hstephenson on 03/08/2007
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Laura  on May 07, 2007 at 05:21 PM 31
I want to switch to reusable bags--I do reuse plastic grocery bags for trash, until "paper or plastic?" comes back and I get paper bags at the store anyway. Paper or plastic...I'm in southern california and have never been offered this option, I just remember it from childhood. I'm not sure how I will go about switching to reusable bags since when I DO go to the store (infrequently) I end up with 15-20 bags. Do I carry 20 reusable bags with me to the store? How does the store staff go about bagging my items? I do take the plastic bags I don't use for trash of course, Back to the store for recycling. It's not a perfect solution as noted before since recycling uses energy too, but it's better than nothing. I don't use produce bags at all. MY TIP! I reuse cat food bags for cat waste! The litter box is a little recycling center in it's own right that way ! :o)
Norma Walker  on June 25, 2007 at 09:44 AM 32
Take your extra bags to the library. Patrons should being their own bags but don't always so they keep donated bags.
Ziggee  on June 27, 2007 at 09:05 AM 33
I keep our canvas bags in the car so they are always with us when we go shopping. When we do get plastic grocery bags (dh will forget to take a canvas bag with him when he runs errands), I save them and use them to dispose of sanitary napkins or send them to the local elementary school so they can put soiled clothes in and send them with the child. Zig
micheal  on January 15, 2008 at 01:29 PM 34
take away trash bag please free r trees
ziggee  on January 15, 2008 at 01:53 PM 35
I agree with you. Zig
JOhn Womack  on January 15, 2008 at 02:16 PM 36
Lately I've begun using small plastic baskets. Five for $5 in a Dollar Store. I nest them together, carry them in the grocery store, put them all in the push cart and put stuff in the little lattice-sided baskets until one is filled, then I take it out, set it aside, and work on another one. Boxed stuff just goes in the push-cart. I save one empty basket. When I get to check out, I scan first item, and put it in the still free basket, then on the scale instead of "in the bag". When another basket is empty, It does the same thing. I push the cart out to my car and put the baskets in the trunk - with the food still in them, then when I get home, I carry the baskets into the kitchen. Taking purchases out of the baskets, I put the goodies in refrig/freezer/pantry/jars, etc. then clean the baskets if necessary, stack them again, and next time I go to the car I put them in the trunk. Also carry a couple of nylon bags too.
ziggeeg  on January 15, 2008 at 02:28 PM 37
great idea. Zig
Ashley  on June 29, 2009 at 07:15 AM 38
I first want to say that I've found this blog and all of the comments very educational. More than agreeing to the end of the article, I would say that lots of companies are doing their best to manufacture plastic bags that are better for the environment. The company I represent, Jig-A-Loo, is introducing a new line of plastic bags that are made from: 100% recycled plastic, 100% oxodegradable, 100% recyclable. These EconoGreen bags and drop cloths contain an additive that will completely break down within 2 years after use. Considerably less than traditional plastic bags and especially grocery bags that we use as garbage bags. For more information visit our website at http://www.jigaloo.com/ca/e_products_econogreen.php
Cotton Shower Curtain  on August 19, 2009 at 10:58 PM 39
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