A graphic example of recycling plastic bags

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The time arrived last week to recycle all the plastic bags in my apartment. It’s funny how this time just happens to coincide with a family visit.

I hate to throw things away that I know can be easily recycled. It’s led to some messy stashes around my apartment because my landlord doesn’t offer multifamily recycling (in flagrant violation of Chico city code).

As I waited to take plastic bags to the recycling center (or supermarket), I’ve tossed them in a old mattress bag in my bedroom. Over the past 18 months, this bag has gotten stuffed from the numerous places I get bags — grocery stores, convenience stores, newspapers, etc.

By the time, I threw the bundle in the car, it was about four feet tall. The bag was almost like its own entity — it certainly had more presence in my apartment than almost anything else.

Half of the bag filled one of the store’s recycle bins. I planned to return later to drop off the remaining bags.

I had mixed feelings having so many plastic bags. Part of me is glad that I’m keeping these out of the landfills or in that giant plastic mass in the Pacific Ocean. On the other hand, I know I should reduce the number of plastic bags I take while shopping.

Already, I refuse bags when I buy just a handful of items. I can easily carry those to and fro.

I also have a ChicoBag and other reusable bags for larger purchases, but I don’t always have them handy. For the ChicoBag, I recently found mine in my car trunk, being used to wrap up a pub glass.

Hopefully, I’ll keep reducing the plastic I use and it will take a lot longer than 18 months to fill the bag again.

Photo: A mattress bag stuffed with plastic bags on display outside a downtown Chico business on West First Street on Sun., Nov. 29, 2009.

About Ryan Olson

Ryan is living every week like it's Shark Week.
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6 Responses to A graphic example of recycling plastic bags

  1. Great Job says:

    Great job recycling your bags. Just think that all you have to do is recycled once every few months and you have no plastic bag footprint!

    Great idea to put them in a giant recyclable bag too!

    Biggest problem I find with most reusable bags is they are a terrible example of cradle to grave design since most recycling centers wont accept them when they expire.

    Again great job recycling.

  2. Ryan Olson says:

    Thanks for the compliment. I wish more places would accept plastic bags, and I’m thankful for the ones that do.

  3. I have seen bags and t-shirts made from plastics bags and they look great. Not only are reducing the use of plastic bags, but you are making a statement that people should look for ways on how to make a contribution in the campaign against waste. Plastics do not disintegrate over time like paper and so we have to look for more ways for their use.

  4. I do think only a sustained mindset bent on recycling products, plastics or otherwise, is the need of the hour for a green environment.

  5. You have some serious dedication. I try my best to re use plastic bags and I am like you in that I do not take one from the store if it is just a handful. Your article gives me the motivation to try a little harder. thanks.

  6. The sustained effort required for recycling needs to be maintained at all levels of the organization.

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