Shopping with reusable bags offers gift to earth this holiday season

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - While stores commonly give free disposable bags to customers for carrying their purchases, the amount of resources it takes to produce the bag added to the time it takes for just one of these bags to decompose is significant. Instead, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is asking Hoosiers to plan in advance before heading out on holiday errands by carrying reusable bags.

The production of disposable bags requires the use of a significant amount of non-renewable fossil fuels. Added costs are involved with the transport of the bags to their final destination. Because these plastic bags are composed of low density polyethylene, they do not degrade, plus if they are burned, toxic fumes are created. Instead, reusable bags are an easy way to help conserve manufacturing resources and eliminate waste from landfills.

While the key to using reusable bags is to keep a few in your vehicle, even the well-intentioned shopper can forget to bring the bag into the store. If you fall into this category, combine purchases and completely fill one bag. Tell store clerks you don't need a bag for small or oversized purchases. When picking up dry cleaning, leave the plastic bag at the store.

If you do accept disposable plastic bags when shopping, stockpile them in a convenient location at home then bring them back to the stores that use them.

The next best thing to reusing is recycling. Some shops collect bags for specific recycling purposes. Ask the manager if they provide this service or be on the lookout for a recycling bin.

For more tips on how to incorporate environmentally-friendly practices during the holidays, visit www.HoosiersCare.IN.gov. Information about recycling throughout the year can be found at www.recycle.IN.gov.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is asking Hoosiers to plan in advance before heading out on holiday errands by carrying reusable bags like the ones shown in this picture.