The real ‘it’ bag
I never got the point of “it” bags. All I know is they are all horrendously expensive and my conscience and bank account simply say no way. But now I have found a true “it” bag in the way of ecobags: reusable shopping bags that should render obsolete all the plastic bags that come from supermarkets and stores.
I’m happy to report that I’ve seen a few lately. Yup, it looks like the ecobag has landed. I saw a tiny canvas bag in Rockwell that said “I am not a plastic bag,” an ode to the Anya Hindmarch bag that launched abroad amid a lot of froufrou, minus the horrendous price tag. Of course I don’t remember where I saw it. My memory says it may have been at the Team Manila (Archaeology) area, but I could be wrong. The bag is a bit small, in my opinion, but it can certainly carry a store purchase.
Last weekend, there was a mini-display of these bags outside a newly opened store in Rockwell. I hoped this meant a tie-up and that this store finally went green as SM and other supermarkets have, but I was wrong. As before, the store cashier looked at me strangely when I asked if they had a paper bag instead and then again when I said to just give me one plastic bag, instead of the usual red one inside the opaque white one with handles (two plastic bags already!). Serves me right for forgetting to stuff my bag with reusable shopping bags every time I leave home. Still, lots of plastic can be kept away from landfills if plastic-happy stores get on the eco bandwagon and soon.
It would be great if malls laid down the law on plastic bags and other non-biodegradable refuse. Barring that, each store should take responsibility and then make it very easy for their customers to give up plastic. They can be creative by offering rebates and other goodies each time a customer comes in with her own bag. They can also give free bags for a minimum purchase. There are so many ways to get rid of plastic without necessarily losing your shirt. In
A happy surprise was the Rustan’s Supermarket reusable bag. It’s a good size and they give incentives to Shopwise and Rustan’s cardholders by doubling their points each time they use the bag. The only thing is it’s not that easy to purchase. You would think each cashier would have a stash so that even customers who are not exactly thinking of the impact of plastic bags on the earth might begin to, once presented with a readily accessible option. Instead, they are available at the customer service counter, which is another trip away. When I asked the cashier if I could buy one from her, she just gave me a blank look until I pointed at the big billboard that was advertising the bag. She then told me I could get it from the customer service counter, then offered to put my stuff in plastic bags first so I could take them there.
Clearly, sales people, clerks, cashiers — everyone — must be educated not just about this new bag their stores are offering, but its whole reason for being. Everyone should be made aware that the problem of plastics and other non-biodegradable products is the problem of every single person on this planet.
The concept of the ecobag has arrived in
The next challenge is making sure you always have your ecobags with you even for shopping in the malls. That way you don’t have to deal with stores who are still proudly shoving plastic bags down your throat. Even if stores offer their own reusable bags, you don’t really want to accumulate them. The point is to always have one with you so that you’re not adding to the burden of the planet.
Reusable bags are not limited to grocery shopping and marketing. I have a set of eco string bags, bayongs and my Rustan’s shopping bag always at the ready. I’ve also outfitted the car with an ecobag and produce bag and told my driver to make sure there’s always a set in there.
My bags are always spacious so I say no to boxes and shopping bags anyway, preferring to stuff purchases into my own. I will occasionally say yes to wrapping something in tissue paper (which comes in handy at Christmas time) before I put it in my bag, but am becoming very strict about saying no to plastic, much to the bewildered look of sales clerks everywhere. If they agree to no plastic, they will often take pains to wrap merchandise in paper and more paper plus tons of tape. Then we have to go another round with the explanations and head-scratching. But never mind, another round it is if that’s what it takes.
Over dinner with girlfriends last week I was happy to hear that most have their own ecobag practice going. We’re lucky we live in bayongland and our options are limitless. Those recycled juice package bags are great, too, and I’ve seen them being marketed on eco-friendly websites abroad. Yay for us but double yay if we’re actually also using them! I don’t really know where to get them except at the monthly American Women’s Bazaar at the
And now a wonderful option with a great story to boot: The Lumeng Bag from Calatagan — another initiative by a truly eco-friend, Yvette Manotoc. While in Calatagan, she noticed that the masahistas were just sitting idly between clients. They spent the time chatting and texting, wasting the day and their cell phone loads away. It pained Yvette to think that some of them even had little children at home! Imagine sitting idly somewhere else, not making a dime when you could be home with your kids.
This didn’t sit well, so Yvette finally asked if they knew how to crochet or were willing to learn. One came forward: Lumeng. The following week, Yvette brought her needles, yarn and soon the Lumeng bag was born. Now Lumeng and two others are making the bags. Only last week, a 70-year-old woman joined the club. More and more women are expressing interest in taking this up because they are guaranteed an income as long as they can produce a bag. Now they can earn while they wait. They can even earn at home.
Thanks to Yvette, they also know what the bags are for. Lumeng now talks to Yvette about the amount of plastic she sees polluting the sea and feels empowered that she is part of the solution. Yvette proudly says that her sole contribution is the size of the bag, which she patterned after a Whole Foods bag. The design and color choices are the women’s. This bag is also fully lined so it’s pricier, but practical, charming and helps keep moms at home where they belong. The Lumeng bag will be available at the Citromint stall at the
I know I’ve gone on and on about the ecobag, but you don’t have to buy one if you already have bags at home that you can use. The new ecobags on the market are just designed to be light (the better to stuff them in your handbag) yet sturdy but, really, any bag will do as long as you bring it with you and use it regularly.
Oh and since I’m on the eco topic, everyone take a good look at your vehicles. Luxury cars are no longer status symbols but a show of gross disrespect for the environment and a glaring ignorance of your role in it. So, if you have the money and are still defined by your car, at least get in line for the Prius. It’s still expensive (though nothing like your gas guzzler) and I heard there is a waiting list, so if you need to show how important you are, this car will still do it, but at least it’s also doing something for the environment. Eco-sloppiness doesn’t buy you pogi points. Not in today’s world.
So that’s my take on the “it” bag and, since I couldn’t help it, “it” cars. You can make all the right noises about doing your share for the planet, but if your lifestyle doesn’t reflect it, please just put a lid on it. The state of the earth demands your consistent and unwavering action. Do your share today.
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