Say No to Plastic Bags

One of my New Year's resolutions as we welcomed 2008 was to always go out shopping with a reusable bag in hand. I am tired of using plastic bags, and tired of seeing them on trees, power lines, and littering our streets, beaches and parks. While I usually ask for a paper bag when given a choice at a market, I see that that choice isn't always available in drugstores or at my neighborhood Asian and Latino carnicerias. I know that many people like to use plastic bags to line their trash bags, or to collect dog poop, but I feel that can be done with everyday bio-degradable paper bags. In my backpack I have been carrying a rolled up canvas bag from Uncle Jer's. Right by the door, in my house, I have several other bags. I have a mesh bag I bought in Grand Central Market years ago. I also have canvas bags from Trader Joe's and the L.A.U.S.D.'s Nutrition Network. As I leave the house for any kind of errand, I have been making sure I bring a bag with me at all times.