BS: GREEN grocery bags

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Peace
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 11:28 PM

Thanks for the update, maire-aine.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: maire-aine
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 11:25 PM

Peace's info may be slightly out of date. Newer CFL bulbs have less mercury than the old ones. The State of Michigan website has this Compact Florescent Bulbs info . A few months ago, I went to a recycling workshop put on by the county, and they said the same thing. Hope this eases your concerns.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: gnu
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 01:53 PM

It's not that I do not reuse. Been at it for years. It's that The Stupid Store is "getting green" to bag more money. They don't give a crap about green. Just the $$$.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: GUEST,HiLo
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 10:35 AM

I never shop at Superstore (Loblaws) so I am not familiar with the protocal there re grocary bags. However, Sobey's does not charge for bags and if you do bring you own bags they put meat products in plastic bags for you so as not to contaminate the reuseable one. I have no problem with that at all. I find that most shoppers do provide their own bags.
   The Nova Scotia Liquor Commission uses Only paper bags or cartons, again most people do take their own bags. I don't see why there is such a fuss over this..common sense seems to abandon people when five cents is involved. Everyone wants to help the environment but nobody wants to be inconvienenced..go figure.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 06:06 PM

Mind you, it's becoming funny watching people's faces when I tell them I don't need a bag... it's like it's every shop assistants' reason in life to make sure that I don't leave the store without at least 2 extra bags. Their faces when I say don't bother and hold out the calico one that lives in my handbag... it's like I've broken some law...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: gnu
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 03:09 PM

What about BC Green bags?

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Peace
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 11:11 PM

"Even a broken clock
is right twice a day

This normally loathsome Republican from Texas makes a lot of sense on the subject of "energy saver" light bulbs from China.

This is the perfect 21st century scam...

Government mandated and only one country in the world manufactures them: China.

One problem: They are so toxic that you are advised to leave your home if they break!

They are filled with mercury and need to be double-bagged and hand delivered to a specialized recycling enter after they burn out.

Use full spectrum light bulbs instead. "

From the www.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 10:54 PM

for 0 read - sheesh! ONE typo every 405 weeks and I get this!

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: JennieG
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 10:31 PM

I sometimes use my collection of calico bags (with all sorts of logos on them) and green bags (ditto). And I sometimes get the still free plastic bags when I shop at the local supermarket, because we have two kitties and use the bags for litter tray clean-outs. If plastic bags are banned or charged for then I will be reduced to buying plastic bags - how silly is that?

But today I became a fully paid-up certified Olde Pharte. I bought a shopping trolley bag.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: gnu
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 04:03 PM

I saw a werewolf drinkin a pina colada at Trader Vic's. His hair was perfect.

Apologies to Warren Zevon.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 03:46 PM

I remember Trader Vic's restaurants and bars. Any relation?

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Janie
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 03:30 PM

Every 203 weeks, eh? Must not need much from Trader Joe's:^)

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 02:10 PM

Lots of 'designer' 'green' bags around. My wife has a couple with cute cats pictures.
The best bags I have are a couple I picked up at a grocery in Hawai'i. They are made of a very durable canvas, $1.00 tag.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 12:54 PM

I've had several 'green' bags for 8-10 years now, and just recently added 3 more: 2 of them insulated. I get, I think, 2¢ everytime I use them, so the old ones were paid off long ago. I think they were $3 originally. They are sturdy and store easily and they may last me another 10 years.

Also, I shop about every 203 weeks at Trader Joe's and often get their handled paper bags, which CAN be reused if one is careful, and then used to recycle newspapers & cardboard. (Around here, even the plastic bags are recycled, but I hate them for groceries and only use a few for waste can liners.)

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: RangerSteve
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 12:16 PM

I use the "green" bags because they hold more than the plastic store bags and they stand upright on the kitchen counter, whereas the plastic ones fall over all the time. I'm surprised that there aren't designer bags available yet - with gemstones and famous fashion logos on them. There's an untapped market out there.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 11:39 AM

I think you've blown a seal, g.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 11:25 AM

The Ikea blue bags are not indestructable - fill one full of dirt, metal, rubble and stones and then haul it down the garden to the front of the house 15-20 times... the bottom will eventually start to show signs of distress!

However, it is extremely useful while it lasts!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 10:54 AM

We have so called Green Bags everywhere, in every colour! & size. Almost every shop has them, but I don't normally use them cos I've had a trolley ever since I sold my car in '78, & lots of calico bags that I've acquired over the years. I also take my small plastic bags back to the fruit market so I don't need to rip off another plastic bag for one use. A normal week's shopping fills the trolley & one calico bag.

I occasional buy (coloured - I don't like the green Green Bags) Green bags when I need to carry something & I've forgotten to take a calico bag.

Earlier this year I found an old (plastic) string bag in a charity shop - it is attached to a round base, with another round as a lid.

sandra (bag lady!)

Green Like Me by Paul Spencer

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: open mike
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 03:49 AM

ikea stores sell huge bags with long straps that go over your shoulders
they are made out of woven blue tarp-like material and make great laundry bags. i think they cost 50 cents. they seem indestructible.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 02:59 AM

Can't say as I would be inclined to buy any meat in a package that was leaking blood.. in fact, I'd be more inclined to report the store to Health and Safety for a serious breach of food regs!

We have several 'bags for life' that the big supermarket chains sell. When they have them on offer, I buy a couple at a time and use them frequently. Recently they've taken to selling hessian bags, some lined with plastic that are easy to wipe out, or made from natural, sustainable fibres. Just wish they'd make the handles a bit longer so I can sling them over my shoulder.

Now if only we could stop them wrapping individual vegetables in little condoms of plastic my life would be complete!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Janie
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 10:11 PM

I've read that banana boxes are likely to have significant pesticide residues and are to be avoided.

I have a couple of "green bags" that my local co-op gave away to members. What I mostly use are several nylon string bags (look a bit like fishing net) that I picked up some time or other, somewhere, some time ago. I do ask that meats be placed in plastic bags at the meat department to ensure they don't leak blood onto my reusable bags, or I will snag a plastic bag from the produce department, and put pre-packaged meat into one of those to protect against leakage. I am trying to get into the habit of bringing a small cooler with me to put meat into so that I don't have to use additional plastic packaging, but I often forget. I'm not a vegetarian, but don't eat or buy much meat, so it is hard to remember.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: gnu
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 09:34 PM

Up cardboard!

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: maeve
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 09:32 PM

Yep, boxes work well, Laurel. If we buy groceries when we're driving the farm truck, boxes are the best container. Just be aware that many produce boxes are likely to carry traces of pesticides.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: open mike
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 09:28 PM

the local stores here often give you 5 cents if you bring your own bag.
i often use cardboard....when i go past the produce section i ask if i can use one of the boxes they just emptied..or sometimes i go in the warehouse room in back..and try to get them before they are crushed.

the "box boy" who bags the groceries mentioned several times how he had never seen anyone put their stuff in a box...i often say that the fine art of being a box boy (or girl) is a lost art. They usually ask if you want paper or plastic...i usually say cardboard...

i have found that the lug boxes that some fruit comes in make great storage for c.d's and i am trying to get a matched set for my music library.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: maeve
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 09:28 PM

I am shocked, Janie!

Hmmm... Can we harness that shock energy for green light?

m

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Janie
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 09:23 PM

But high enough in principle to be occasionally obnoxious.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: maeve
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 09:18 PM

Looking forward to it, Art.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Janie
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 09:18 PM

Uh-ohh. I'm thinking principles and he is thinking principal - as in assets. My assets just fine in this old worn-out chair broken in just right, but I am devoid of principal.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: artbrooks
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 09:17 PM

The cost of compact LED bulbs is coming down rapidly, so they may be a viable alternative to compact fluorescents for migraine sufferers.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: maeve
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 09:09 PM

Such a picture in my mind's eye.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: gnu
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 09:03 PM

Well, I used to play blues harp. So, harpour seals. >;-)

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: gnu
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 09:02 PM

Yes! I forgot to mention the migraine suffering peeps who cannot deal with the green light bulbs.

The mind boggles at the inane crap that is thrown about as green.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: maeve
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:56 PM

Harp? Ringed? Elephant? The mind boggles, gnu.

Janie, I'll make your dress. You can always wear it when the Garden Tour comes to your place.

m

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: gnu
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:52 PM

Janie... I SAID I thought you were joking. Perhaps if you send me a detailed proposal that my solicitor could review and upon which make recommendations to me in regard to the possibility of continuance of negotiatons, leading to an agreement in principal, we could discuss it further. Until such time as complete clarification is acheived as to the nature and depth of the proposal, I have been advised to make no further comments.

My lips are seals.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: maeve
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:48 PM

I was joking Janie, but I'd be glad to if you'd like. The sweaters make great felted bags that offer some insulation and cushioning, while the t-shirts in double layers are great for produce. Either is washable. I'd be glad to make you some.

As for the light bulbs, I hate all the fluorescent lights because they trigger my migraines. The incandescent bulbs are already being phased out here in the States too. What am I going to do?

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:44 PM

"Green cars"
Turn in that old clunker that does 16 miles per. Get a new super green that does 22.
That new one has 2500 pounds or so of newly manufactured parts which took a lot of energy to produce. Put $10,000 or so of your cash on top.
The old one may have needed some work, but not $10,000 worth.

Something doesn't add up here. Perhaps good for the car producer and dealer, but overall doesn't help the environment.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Janie
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:41 PM

You serious, maeve? If so, I'll start sorting clothes.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Janie
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:40 PM

That's OK Gnu, I'm used to being forgotten.

And alas, Peace, (or maybe your good fortune,) Without a main squeeze, there ain't no side dish.

Let's just all get old and cranky together. Time to revive the Mudcat Old Folk's Home idea?

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: maeve
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:39 PM

Here's my chance to make a fortune. Send me some old wool sweaters or a pile of t-shirts and I'll make you the best washable grocery bags you've ever seen. Just nine ninety-nine per bag. Gnu? Janie? Bruce?

maeve, about to get rich

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Janie
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:37 PM

Yeh, Q, but ain't the address stickers great! My arthritic hands love not having to write return address after return address.

I'd donate to some one once every three years just to get a supply of those coming even if I wasn't otherwise inclined to do so.

I'm not quite following your Canadian conversation re: light bulbs. Are incandescent bulbs being phased out for florescent?

I've been reading and dithering for 3 years now which is over-all preferable. The florescents do save energy at the burning in, not only do they draw less power and last longer, they also don't generate as much heat -important in my unair-conditioned home in the southern USA in the summer. But at disposal time they are pretty toxic. I also don't know how their manufacturing footprints compare.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: gnu
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:37 PM

It's the culture Q.

Really pisses me off when I go to the grocery store and some kid is there to put my purchase into bags and hold out his hand to help hime go to a softball tournament in Timfucktoo. And his parents are standing as chaperones drinking Tim's double doubles and munching Timbits.

Where did this culture of begging begin? I had to shovel snow, mow lawns and trim hedges starting at ten years old and I never went to any softball tournaments. I had Sears catalogs for shin pads when I played hockey. Jaysus... pisses me off. Homeless on the street and these parents are teaching their kids to beg at grocery stores???? For money they don't even have a good use for?

Aggghhhhhh!

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: gnu
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:23 PM

The law on banning old bulbs was passed a while back... stock up or die.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:22 PM

Well, I have a rant too, but its about solicitations from the charities.
It seems like I hear from them every couple of months, the mailings often enclosing address stickers, pens, calculators, cards, calendars, brochures, catalogues of cute stuff for sale, etc., etc.
Once a year we send a check to the charities and conservation societies we support. The paper we receive from them (and others to which they sell mailing lists) during the year would constitute a small tree, and all their mailings to all contributors a forest.
Even the Salvation Army sends out several begging letters during the year.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: gnu
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:21 PM

Oh... me? I thought you were joking about that.

As for your broken heart, if indeed, I do not recall leading you on in any way and I am sure our solicitors can tidy up any loose ends. As long as you pay your solicitor in trust to my solicitor for any soliciting my solicitor has to solicit because after I paid my solicitor for the last broken heart (mine), he ain't gettin another dime. Fill yer boots.

But, we'll always have Paris.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Peace
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:18 PM

'(I was gonna ask Peace for a piece on the side;O)'

DAMN! This taking ten pees a day has gotta stop. Musta been taking one while that whizzed by.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Peace
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:16 PM

Yeah. Well, I'll believe Ottawa when I see the damned law in place.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: gnu
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:14 PM

Peace... there has been a call for Parliament to rescind there ban and actually BAN the new bulbs based on the health hazard. This woman may lose her arm or worse... nobody knows yet.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Janie
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:14 PM

Gnu,

HUmph, Humph again. How quickly you forget how you broke my heart! (I was gonna ask Peace for a piece on the side;O)

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: gnu
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:10 PM

I but everything I can at the Coop. I won't pay a LOT more, but I will pay more at the Coop.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:05 PM

Don't have Real Atlantic here, so can't comment on them.

Sobey's, Safeway Sunterra and Co-op supermarkets (Calgary) all provide small, light plastic bags for the fruits and vegetables; fresh behind the counter meats all get wrapped by hand and are blood-free. Their unfrozen meats in the cold racks are all well-sealed and all blood-free. Rarely shop at Superstore (a little cheaper but too few checkouts and no help taking purchases to the car) but haven't seen leak problems there.
Some large plastic-sealed meats (e. g. local leg of lamb) show traces of blood in the package, but no leaks.

These stores all have the larger 'green' bags in which purchases are packed, so only the large plastic bags are charged for. Never have to wash them (except when they accumulate too much dog hair in the car).

gnu, change stores!

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: gnu
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:05 PM

Janie? You propsed to Bruce? Back off! He's mine!

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Peace
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:04 PM

Sorry, gnu. I didn't recognize the seriousness of it. FYI, some fluorescent bulbs--don't know if they're still made, but some are still in use--can cause a fairly serious blood poisoning if ya break the buld and cut yerself at the same time.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: gnu
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 08:01 PM

There is a young lady in Moncton that is in dire pain and trauma from one of those wonder lights breaking while she was changing out bulbs. It is not a joke.

I am all for a joke... youse guys know that. But this ain't no joke. She is in a bad way.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 07:58 PM

Trader Joe's has a colorful $1 bag that's the same size and stiffness as a paper grocery bag, and it's plastic-coated fiber so it's both tough and washable. They have similar white bags that they give as "loaners."
Oh, and their $2 insulated bags are very good for keeping beer cold...

Much better than the floppy polyester bags you get from other grocers for a buck.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Janie
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 07:58 PM

Jeez...and to think I proposed to the guy a few months back!

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Peace
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 07:55 PM

I agree with Art, gnu. You're bottling this stuff inside. You HAVE to 'just let it go'. Give your problems to the Great Universal Design. Don't allow the troubles of humans bother you.

"Break one a them SOBs whilst screwing or unscrewing and you could lose the use of your ARM"

If that's true, you're doing it the wrong way. Please message and I'll send a link to a site that has pictchers.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: artbrooks
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 07:48 PM

Now, gnu...tell us how you REALLY feel. Don't hold back - open up.

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: gnu
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 07:44 PM

Thanks.

Here's sommat else the REALLY pisses me off. I get a monthly bill from the electric guys... New Brunnswick Electric Power Corporation.

NBEPC includes an extra little "blurb" thingy every month. Like, turn the lights off when you make whoopie. It's on the shiney paper becasue they can afford to waste natural resources when they try to tell us to be more green. Idiots.

And, if you can FATHOM this, these idiots place their own adverts on the backs of their envelopes. Now, why advertise if you are the only power company? Has NOBODY at NBEPC realized that they are DE-greening by doing this? I save envelopes and cut them up and make note pads out of them. But I can't use the backs of NBEPC's envelopes because they are to fucking... sorry... I am upset... because apparently they have nobody with a fucking brain on staff.

Imagine.. the power company that preaches energy conservation has nobody on staff with two clues to rub together? Apprently, it's just energy conversation.

Green bullshit.

Yes, I AM far beyond my years in old crotchetyness... and no damn wonder with all the inane bullshit aboutst.

Next thing ya know, I'll be complaining about idiots parking their cars over sidewalks. OOOOHHHH me nerves!

And what about them new light bulbs? The Canadian Parliament has outlawed the old bulbs by whenever the date is without any regard for life cycle costs or the HEALTH HAZARDS! Break one a them SOBs whilst screwing or unscrewing and you could lose the use of your ARM... so far... we'll see how much more people lose after time goes on.

Nervous, nervous, nervous.... yeah. (Sorry Alice.)

Subject: RE: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: Janie
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 07:12 PM

Thanks for your post, Gnu. I hadn't thought it throughly as far as have you. I think a surcharge on disposable bags is a good idea, but there are many alternatives to buying one of those cheap-ass "green" bags.

There are two grocery stores where I do 99% of my shopping. I check on-line for their weekly ads, or pick one up at the store when I enter, finish my list, then put the ad back in the rack for the next person.

I no longer buy newspapers, (though I am kind of sorry about that - I don't read through the on-line additions as thoroughly as I did the print version, and the on-line versions don't carry all the content of the print version.)

Subject: BS: GREEN grocery bags
From: gnu
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 06:18 PM

I am SOOOOO pissed!

First of all, The Real Atlantic Stupidstore says they gotta charge a nickel a bag to save the planet. And that you should buy their heavy duty reusable GREEN bag for a buck. Bullshit.

Fact of the matter is, they sell raw veggies, fruit, meat, fish, dairy…. go to the dairy section and look at how well they keep it clean. The meat packages bleed. And so on. You put that stuff in that green bag and you GOTTA wash that green bag when you get home. And that ain't easy.

How come the liquor store can supply far better bags that are biodegradable and or recyclable but the Stunned Store cannot? Gee… ahh… $$$???

Like the big food chains care about anything but $$$! The first and last week of the month... the sales suck. That is because the grocery chains know that people on fixed incomes and those who get paid on the last banking days of the month have no choice but to pay the piper. The prices for many staples are DOUBLE the sale price during these two weeks. It may be great business for the piper but it's not so good for the poor that have to dance for a living. It is ruthless. It is sickening.

Even if the lie that the green bags are good for the environment justifies in THEIR minds that they can dupe the consumer, what about the weekly advertising fliers? Why? Why not truly try to save the planet and put out a monthly advert? Imagine the amount of trees that die for their weekly advertising... and they are charging people 5p for a bag for their groceries because they are "green" and want to SELL reusable bags for a buck each? And varying the prices of staples based on pay cycles to exact $$$ from those who can ill afford it to pay DOUBLE to feed themselves?

Having said that… I use my green bags for clean dry goods. I won them at Sobeys in a promotion. Before that, I used to use cardboard boxes…. over and over… I had many of them that I collected such that I could fit one into another in a neat package and never use any bags… carry the works into the store in one hand, until they started selling them to the recycling companies. Imagine that! They don't even give us the chance to reuse the boxes (many times) before they try to make a nickel on them. Green my ass!

I have been green for nearly as long as The Real Atlantic Superstore (and others) has been fucking the poor.

I am SOOOOO pissed!

Green? Yeah, lots of green for them. And shit brindle brown for the poor.