Join The Plastics

Aug 08, 2007 @ 3:02pm

the plastics or the plastic bags.JPG
Not Groundbreaking: Anya Hindmarch's eco-friendly totes are a huge consumer hit.

Also Not Groundbreaking: With each "I'm not a plastic bag" purchase, a new spoof is born.

We're well versed in the more mean-spirited knock-offs ("I'm NOT a smug twat", for example), but we think this design from Progressive Bag Alliance is a fresher take -

The bag, constructed entirely of plastic in classic supermarket styling, reads "I AM a Plastic Bag AND I'm 100% Recyclable."

Sure, the styling isn't as remarkable as the original, but the intent is admirable - just check out PBA's site and you'll see how serious they really are.

Plus, you won't have to stab crowds with your stiletto to get your hands on this one.

--SARAH MUEHLBAUER

posted by bah, humbug

Aug 08, 2007 4:16PM

When I saw the Plastic Bag Alliance link, my first question was: who is funding this? It isn't a nonprofit, so the money is coming from somewhere. Whose bias makes this website? A simple googling answered my question: this comes from plastic bag manufacturers, who have found a way to spin it so they can stay in business.

posted by Faran

Aug 08, 2007 4:19PM

Scrooge, you're cool with us.

The reason we posted this was to show that even if you have to take a plastic bag, you can use it again and again.

We did that yesterday, when we went to Whole Foods with a clutch and realized we needed to take one... and felt guilty!

posted by bah, humbug

Aug 08, 2007 4:34PM

But can you please correct the statement above that says "the intent is admirable?" Plastic manufacturers aren't being altruistic; they are launching a PR initiative to help them stay in business, in light of cities like SF banning plastic bags, and many consumers changing their habits to include reusable totes.

Yes, reusing the plastics is admirable, but we're all better off to think ahead and carry a tote, especially if it is a cute one with parakeets on it :>

posted by Faran

Aug 08, 2007 4:48PM

Hey Bah,

Eh, we think it's always admirable to encourage recycling and eco awareness, regardless of your selfish motives.

Anya Hindmarch is a brilliant businesswoman, and although I believe she also has strong convictions about the environment, it's a mistake to assume she didn't create a handbag that was partly in her own self interest.

But if you have found a cute tote with parakeets, you must post the link.

posted by kelly

Aug 08, 2007 8:16PM

plastic bags are terrible. recycling is a nice idea, but you must USE recycled products for it to be effective. down with plastic bags!

posted by bah, humbug (to plastics)

Aug 09, 2007 10:24AM

I made my own bags... but I will definitely send a link to parakeet totes when I begin producing them (hopefully shortly!) Parakeet love for all!

posted by a

Aug 09, 2007 11:15AM

I read in the Times (London) that paper bags are actually environmentally worse than plastic. I use plastic as an environmentalist because I don't buy garbage bags and have to take my recycling and trash out in something. Plus we pet owners use them--dog-owners to pick up and cat owners to transport used litter to the curb. You cannot use anything else for that--try putting it in paper bags and you have a problem. Also those of us who don't drive and use public transit often prefer plastic because it doesn't break when carrying milk, juice, etc.

That said, I often refuse bags if I don't need them and have way before this. After clearing out my closets, I also found the bigger problem was all the tissue paper used to wrap clothes in Anthro, Saks, Barneys, etc.