If Green isn’t a color, what is it?

August 12, 2009

I am constantly questioning if “this” or “that” is truly green. If I don’t use paper towels will I expend more energy-water-electricity when I wash those stupid dishes that I’m using more of now? Or I am I just being lazy? This month, All Things Considered on National Public Radio is running a great series on just this very delimma. They tackle some great subjects. My favorite so far is the great debate over the plastic grocery bags. It’s amazing how many different types of bags there are. Even the “bring your own bag” issue, which is seemingly black and white, is rife with gray areas, complicated statistics and even social ramifications that affect poverty. Who knew there were so many things to consider about the reusable bags in your local grocery store. Are they recycled? partially recycled? More recycled, but shipped further?  Made in China? Although I feel really good when I take my own bag, apparently I am not really doing that much good for the earth. But remember my mantra… the small things really do matter. So, here is how their expert thinks we should ultimately decide what type of reusable bag to bring to the store,

“My first answer to that would be, ‘What draws your eye?’” Hoover says. “Buy the bag that you most personally are going to reuse, because that’s the most important thing.”

So if some gritty hemp weave appeals to you, or if it’s a little bling, or the $1,000 dollar Hermes silk shopping bag that turns you on, “by all means, buy that bag,” Hoover says.

Ha! I love this! Check out the whole article at NPR.org. In the meantime, I’m going on a search to find something fashionable to replace those zillions of Publix bags that are nesting in the trunk of my car! I’ll let you know what I find.

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Tags: green living, recycling, reusable bags