Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2315589)

I would be embarrassed to admit that about my spouse, if that was what my spouse said.

Most "northerners" came from states that already do recycling, already value the idea of re-using plastics rather than disposing of them, and already embrace the idea of cloth bags for dry shelf-stable goods, and thermal bags for refrigerated/frozen/heated goods.

Yes, we waste stuff. We throw things away, we don't grow all our own food and milk our own cows or have chickens who lay our eggs for us here in The Villages. But some of us came from those environments. The "north" is filled with large farms, small farms, off-grid self-sustaining homesteads, people who have compost heaps in their back yards, and so on.

Might want to teach your wife that. Lumping everyone who grew up in the north with blanket statements is a sign of ignorance. If I was your wife and read what you said about me I'd probably have you sleeping in the laundry shed for the next month.

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 2315668)

If I had a spare $12,000 laying around, I might think seriously about becoming an upside-down flower pot helping to save coral reefs and allowing fish to swim by. Might be a pleasant view. Beats ending up as a bunch of ashes eventually tossed away.

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 2315640)

Plastic eyeglasses do NOT blow around like lightweight plastic grocery bags.

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2315589)

I would be embarrassed to admit that about my spouse, if that was what my spouse said.

Most "northerners" came from states that already do recycling, already value the idea of re-using plastics rather than disposing of them, and already embrace the idea of cloth bags for dry shelf-stable goods, and thermal bags for refrigerated/frozen/heated goods.

Yes, we waste stuff. We throw things away, we don't grow all our own food and milk our own cows or have chickens who lay our eggs for us here in The Villages. But some of us came from those environments. The "north" is filled with large farms, small farms, off-grid self-sustaining homesteads, people who have compost heaps in their back yards, and so on.

Might want to teach your wife that. Lumping everyone who grew up in the north with blanket statements is a sign of ignorance. If I was your wife and read what you said about me I'd probably have you sleeping in the laundry shed for the next month.

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580 (Post 2315678)

Just an example of plastic "hiding in plain sight", so to speak. Most folks have no real idea of just how pervasive plastics are in the big scheme of things.

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 2315646)

Plastic containers like say for apple sauce do NOT BLOW AROUND and end up in oceans and local lakes as much as lightweight plastic bags.

Originally Posted by GWilliams (Post 2315595)

Where were these studies when the environmentalists forced us to use paper over plastic? Re-useable bags spread germs.

Originally Posted by Shipping up to Boston (Post 2315673)

Donations are pouring in right now to accommodate your wish!

(Just messing with ya....neighbor!) ;)

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive (Post 2315628)

Unfortunately 3% is not a "small" reward. For many of the larger stores 3% is the profit margin.

I do like the "reward" idea though...maybe open the store 1/2 hour early for all those with cloth bags? Pick out one item on a selected rack for every (say) $40 that you spend shopping that trip? Something along those lines.

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 2315649)

Yes, that IS what I agree with!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Shipping up to Boston (Post 2315641)

Any guesses on how many times the ‘N’ word (Northerners) is used in this household! Smh

Originally Posted by Shipping up to Boston (Post 2315673)

Donations are pouring in right now to accommodate your wish!

(Just messing with ya....neighbor!) ;)

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2315329)

Question

Truthfully, I am not concerned about the environment. I use the free plastic bags at Publix and throw them away. But, I am not a snowbird who heats, cools, and maintains two houses year round. I don't have anything against snowbirds, but isn't that worse for the environment than using plastic grocery bags?

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2315650)

I was addressing the thread topic, which was that the OP wants the State of Florida to pass a law banning plastic grocery bags to improve the environment. That would eliminate a personal choice to use or to not use the bags. I was just pointing out that other choices people make are obviously worse for the environment than using plastic bags. Also, there are some studies that show that banning plastic bags does not improve the environment. I think people should be allowed to make their own decisions. So, I am not in favor of a new state law.

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2315650)

I was addressing the thread topic, which was that the OP wants the State of Florida to pass a law banning plastic grocery bags to improve the environment. That would eliminate a personal choice to use or to not use the bags. I was just pointing out that other choices people make are obviously worse for the environment than using plastic bags. Also, there are some studies that show that banning plastic bags does not improve the environment. I think people should be allowed to make their own decisions. So, I am not in favor of a new state law.