[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

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.

I always sleep in the laundry shed. I thought everyone did that. But, thanks for the enlightening comments !!!!!

[Shipping up to Boston]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

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.

Donations are pouring in right now to accommodate your wish!

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

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

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

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.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

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.

Actually, she suggested that I write that when I told her what one subject of today's TOTV was. Basically she finds that the northern visitors in Publix (for example) are more pushy and full of themselves than your full time Villager. Of course. there are exceptions and some part-time visitors are perfect human beings and they DO add to the economics of this area. It is NOT their fault that the traffic on 441 is sometimes backed up for 2 intervals of red lights. Florida roads have NEVER kept up with the population growth and it is MORE EVIDENT in the WINTER.
...........Part time TV Land residents also seem to often be in a big hurry and their DRIVING HABITS show that. They tend to see a stop sign as just an invitation to slow down.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

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.

Actually a great point. There is a video gone viral of a US Senate hearing addressing this very issue of plastic and glasses. I won’t attach it nor expand any further for fear of violating community guidelines!

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

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.

Wind can be very strong sometimes. Surprising what it can move.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by GWilliams

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

Germs are everywhere whether plastic bags, paper bags, or cloth bags. If i were worried about germs, I would NOT want to be seated in an indoor building with a lot of people for long periods of time. Think movie theater or church.

[4$ALE]

Originally Posted by Shipping up to Boston

Donations are pouring in right now to accommodate your wish!

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

Start a GO FUND ME page...... I'm in!

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

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.

Keep the profit margin by taking up some % of the prices by 3% and keeping the reward policy. Also I agree that cloth shopping bags can be easily washed regularly.

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

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

Small things add up to big things, good or bad. Make sure that your small changes will add up to positive effect.

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by Shipping up to Boston

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

It's always the other "guys" fault.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Shipping up to Boston

Donations are pouring in right now to accommodate your wish!

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

Thank you!!!!!! I got a GREAT laugh.

[cjrjck]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

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?

And you clearly do not worship at the alter of "Science" tology like many do today.

[Velvet]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

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.

Yes this is true, in my opinion, besides what about the process that is used to produce paper? And it is also true that some people will not dispose of plastic bags properly, behavior can be callous and selfish. But banning grocery bags is like solving all problems with a hammer, cause it’s the only tool you’ve got.

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

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.

People don't always make good choices. When your choice only impacts you, fine. When your choice negatively impacts your neighbor, community, state, country, planetary environment, you don't get to choose. And you should not be surprised.