Tuesday Tip for a Greener Planet –
CITIES ACROSS THE U.S.A AND WORLDWIDE UNITE

What has caused U.S. cities from coast to coast to unite?  What could bring together countries like China, Italy, Rwanda, and Mauritania – yes, even Mauritania!

A ban on plastic disposable bags! 

Does the world really need to consume one million plastic disposable bags EVERY MINUTE?  These are the current statistics and the United Nations Environment Program recently declared, “There is simply zero justification for manufacturing them anymore, anywhere.”  

The end is near for this little earth polluter in another major city…sweet home Chicago.  Chicago’s city council voted recently to ban plastic disposable bags in most stores by summer 2015 adding it to a growing list of over 200 ‘green’ U.S. municipalities (including all cities in the entire state of Hawaii – aloha!) according to Surfrider Foundation.

Retailers would have the option of charging for paper or compostable plastic bags.  Fees of 5 or 10 cents per bag are common in California communities that ban plastic bags, with the idea that paper has its own negative environmental effects and the fee gets people to carry reusable bags.

Dream Green DIY  has even come up with a fun project to create your own totes.  No time for crafts?  Then, look for reusable options at most supermarkets or check out a few that we love like Blue Avocado’s (eco) hip pod cross body bag partially made from recycled bottles (PVC, BPA, and lead free of course) or Snack Taxi’s classic or mini straw ‘Market Basket’ tote.

So even if your home town hasn’t joined Mauritania or Hawaii yet in this global fight, please grab a reusable bag or tote for your next shopping trip and shout “I’m the best!” for taking another step toward a greener planet.  Mahalo!

*Hey, let’s work together in fighting for a greener planet!  Sign up at www.koecolife.com and receive valuable coupons, tips, & product updates.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook @K.O.KIDZ for our latest news and events too.