A Day Without a Bag

Did you know that residents of Los Angeles County use 6 billion plastic bags a year, and only 5% of bags in the US are recycled? In the state of California the average person uses 552 bags, according to the environmental organization Heal the Bay.

These bags are then left to choke up our waterways, landfills, streets, and urban landscapes, causing harm to animal life and our ecosystem. This is why Heal the Bay, along with the Los Angeles City Council have agreed to make Thursday December 20th "A Day Without a Bag."

LA County residents are being urged to give up their plastic bags in favor of reusable ones, particularly those made from organic cotton, hemp and polypropylene. Heal the Bay has established the following 4-step action plan to help people reduce, reuse, and recyle:

1. Get a Free Reusable Bag
Join us on Thursday, December 20th, at a participating retail location [...] to receive a free reusable bag. These locations will also be providing education about reducing plastic bag consumption and adopting sustainable practices year-round. If you miss the free giveaway, you can purchase reusable bags online [...].

2. BYOB
Show your support for A Day Without a Bag by shopping exclusively with reusable totes on December 20th. Then, make it a habit to to BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) when shopping anywhere, anytime! [...]

3. Sign the Bag Ban Petition
Make everyday A Day Without a Bag. Join Heal the Bay and other concerned citizens by signing the petition urging the L.A. County Board of Supervisors to consider a ban on plastic carryout bags.

4. Spread the Word
* Send an e-mail to others about A Day Without a Bag!
* Send or print a flyer! [follow link on HTB site]

Three locations for free reusable bags have been annouced so far, with more to come as the day approaches: The Grove, Howard Hughes Center (The Bridge), and Malibu (location TBD). Of course, you probably have a plethora of bags already at home that you can put to use--just check your closets! See you on December 20th, without any plastic bags!

Photo by polandzee via Flickr