I love them, see. . .
So Divine. . .
I love them, see. . .
Guest Post by Harmony. . .
For the Love of Plastic, by Harmony Susalla
This picture was taken June 6th on Bowling Ball Beach. My husband and I were there to renew our wedding vows. At first I was tempted to walk by the plastic pieces, leave it -- not have it enter our romantic moment -- but alas it was impossible for me to ignore.
As you know by now, in addition to being passionate about organic cotton, I also can get pretty worked up about plastic grocery bags and plastic water bottles. I just KNOW they will one day be the icons of our short-sighted insanity.
So, last week when the news came on the radio: Reusable Grocery Bags Contaminated with bacteria, my first thought was "I bet that study was funded by the plastic industry." So, I did a little digging... and sure enough... the study was brought to us by the American Chemistry Council. Just who and what is the American Chemistry Council? Well... in addition to theirown home page, they are the ones behind the oh-so-lovely Plastics Make it Possible web site and also this gem: Stop the Bag Tax. sigh.
I decided to read the entire report. I like to know what the "science" is behind the "news". The timing of this release coupled with the impending vote on California AB 1998 is just too suspect to ignore.
What I learned:
They say that 80 of the 84 bags collected were woven polypropylene, but that seems highly unlikely. Most of those 99 cent at-the-counter "re-usable" bags are actually made of NON-woven polypropylene. I have emailed the authors to clarify. (I will report back what I hear...assuming I get a response. In the meantime, I am going to assume they meant non-woven polypropylene bags. To get such a fundamental piece of the study wrong was my first red flag.)
Don't get my husband started on how much he HATES this "eco" alternative (maybe I can get him to do a guest post for me on the topic). My problem is that non-woven polypropylene is still made from plastic.
People know cloth is washable. Is non-woven polypropylene washable? It doesn't feel like fabric and I completely agree with the study that BIG washing instructions should go in each of these sorts of bags. Non-woven polypropylene, although not single-use, still is made with fossil fuels and they don't last all that long. My friend Jane regularly washes hers and she found they last less than 6 months. Improvement, I guess... but my washed fabric bags have lasted YEARS and show no sign of needing replacement. Now THAT is a solution!
What the press left out was that "Attempts to isolate Salmonella and Listeria bacteria from the bags were not successful in this study, but this may only represent the limited number of samples that were collected."
Get this, the study actually tainted non-woven polypropylene bags with meat juice and put them in a trunk in the mid afternoon for 2 hours to see if bacteria grew. BIG surprise...HELLO! It did! My take away - don't eat meat.... and if you do, don't be stupid about it. Would you leave meat in your trunk for 2 hours? If meat juice spills, clean it up!
The other tidbit left out of the "news" story was that the report showed that "Hand or machine washing was found to reduce the bacteria in bags by >99.9%." Funny that the "news" was about fear and contamination rather than oh say, "Washing your reusable bags can keep you and your planet healthy" - oh, you're right, that probably won't sell as many papers. Fear sure is sexy. I have to admit that I resent the fact that this important statistic from the report which is featured both in the summary and the conclusion of the full report was missing entirely from the University of Arizona's own press release. Hummm... I am not someone who leans towards conspiracy theories but really?!
This picture was taken June 6th on Bowling Ball Beach. My husband and I were there to renew our wedding vows. At first I was tempted to walk by the plastic pieces, leave it -- not have it enter our romantic moment -- but alas it was impossible for me to ignore.
As you know by now, in addition to being passionate about organic cotton, I also can get pretty worked up about plastic grocery bags and plastic water bottles. I just KNOW they will one day be the icons of our short-sighted insanity.
So, last week when the news came on the radio: Reusable Grocery Bags Contaminated with bacteria, my first thought was "I bet that study was funded by the plastic industry." So, I did a little digging... and sure enough... the study was brought to us by the American Chemistry Council. Just who and what is the American Chemistry Council? Well... in addition to theirown home page, they are the ones behind the oh-so-lovely Plastics Make it Possible web site and also this gem: Stop the Bag Tax. sigh.
I decided to read the entire report. I like to know what the "science" is behind the "news". The timing of this release coupled with the impending vote on California AB 1998 is just too suspect to ignore.
What I learned:
They say that 80 of the 84 bags collected were woven polypropylene, but that seems highly unlikely. Most of those 99 cent at-the-counter "re-usable" bags are actually made of NON-woven polypropylene. I have emailed the authors to clarify. (I will report back what I hear...assuming I get a response. In the meantime, I am going to assume they meant non-woven polypropylene bags. To get such a fundamental piece of the study wrong was my first red flag.)
Don't get my husband started on how much he HATES this "eco" alternative (maybe I can get him to do a guest post for me on the topic). My problem is that non-woven polypropylene is still made from plastic.
People know cloth is washable. Is non-woven polypropylene washable? It doesn't feel like fabric and I completely agree with the study that BIG washing instructions should go in each of these sorts of bags. Non-woven polypropylene, although not single-use, still is made with fossil fuels and they don't last all that long. My friend Jane regularly washes hers and she found they last less than 6 months. Improvement, I guess... but my washed fabric bags have lasted YEARS and show no sign of needing replacement. Now THAT is a solution!
What the press left out was that "Attempts to isolate Salmonella and Listeria bacteria from the bags were not successful in this study, but this may only represent the limited number of samples that were collected."
Get this, the study actually tainted non-woven polypropylene bags with meat juice and put them in a trunk in the mid afternoon for 2 hours to see if bacteria grew. BIG surprise...HELLO! It did! My take away - don't eat meat.... and if you do, don't be stupid about it. Would you leave meat in your trunk for 2 hours? If meat juice spills, clean it up!
The other tidbit left out of the "news" story was that the report showed that "Hand or machine washing was found to reduce the bacteria in bags by >99.9%." Funny that the "news" was about fear and contamination rather than oh say, "Washing your reusable bags can keep you and your planet healthy" - oh, you're right, that probably won't sell as many papers. Fear sure is sexy. I have to admit that I resent the fact that this important statistic from the report which is featured both in the summary and the conclusion of the full report was missing entirely from the University of Arizona's own press release. Hummm... I am not someone who leans towards conspiracy theories but really?!
Aunt Frances FREEBIE!
Bagette Aunt Frances is here visiting for a short time with my dad. She got to meet with all the Bagettes yesterday at our regular Sunday meeting. It was so nice for everyone to meet her since I talk about her (read more here, here, here, here and here) and how she has been making bags for a LONG TIME! She specializes in wine totes and grocery bags, but occasionally makes little pouches too.
Frances is a remarkable woman, in her 88 years she raised 7 kids, moved 33 times and was an Air Force wife. Just writing that last sentence makes me want to take a nap! I asked her if she likes making bags and she said, "Well, it keeps me off the street!" There you have it!
She made some really cute ones with zippers and drawstrings as well as the large bag out of fabric samples. And, guess what? The set is up for grabs! The following photos show the details (they even have the labels in them that Bagette Dad and I gave her for Xmas). . .
•LEAVE A COMMENT, IN THE COMMENT LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THIS FORMAT: name(at)something(dot)com it is important to spell out dot and at so you don't get spam, if you DO NOT leave an email address, we will not hunt you down to send you a freebie, thanks.
•In the comment, tell us about your favorite aunt and why!
•DEADLINE FOR THE FREEBIE IS MIDNIGHT (CST) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2010.
•ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM FROM THE COMMENTS TO WIN THE GOODIES FROM AUNT FRANCES. However, if you do not already have a Green Bag Lady bag, Bagette Dad just acquired a fresh new batch and will send you one, just for entering!
Good Luck, Teresa
WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. THANK YOU FOR ENTERING!
WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. THANK YOU FOR ENTERING!
Busy Sunday!
The Bagettes and I (9 that showed up today!) were BUSY. . .
Bagette Leyla cut labels. . .
Bagettes Ann, Kathleen, Connie, Alicia (not pictured) and April marked and ironed 250 bags!
Bagette Leyla cut labels. . .
And look who is visiting! The famous Bagette Aunt Frances!
She is visiting with her brother, Bagette Dad who graciously numbered bags. . .
Guess what, in the process, he hit bag number 11,000!
WOW! 11,000 bags.
Check back tomorrow (Monday) for a VERY SPECIAL Bagette Aunt Frances FREEBIE! Teresa
New York Bag Lady!
Claire from New York is sending bags all over the world. Pictured below is a bag she sent to Saudi Arabia! Yay Claire! Keep up the great work! Teresa
Franklin Farmers Market
We gave out 150 bags in just one hour!
Design your own shopping bag and win GREAT PRIZES!
Do you sew? Do you have an embroidery machine? Do you love making shopping bags? Well, here is the perfect contest for you to enter!
Click here for all the details.
Please let me know if you win and I will feature your bag here on Green Bag Lady! Teresa
Kansas Bag!
Hello Green Bag Lady Teresa,
I know it has taken me so long to email you, but my friend went on vacation and these bags were mailed to her address. I haven't got the chance to take her photos until she was back home. Anyway, she got the bags already and here are some photos of her and my baby boy Harley with the bags. She thanked you for the bags and she loved it! For sure she will use it every time she goes shopping! Thank you once again!
Adin B
Chetopa, Kansas
Party Bags!
Congrats winners!
Random.org chose the following people as winners in "The Pits" freebie. Yay!
Sudha
bcgood
Felicia
Angela & Jason
WindyNancy
Thanks to everyone that entered. I hope you will make your own!
Enjoy! Teresa
Sudha
bcgood
Felicia
Angela & Jason
WindyNancy
Thanks to everyone that entered. I hope you will make your own!
Enjoy! Teresa
Philippines Bag!
Here's the pic of the bag that I used sorry for the delayed email and
response of the bag # 9130...
Thanks again for choosing me as one of the winner..
Junida
Argentina Bag!
Hi! First I want to thank you so much for my bag! I want to say sorry because it takes me a lot to send you a pic, I didn't got my camera, and with my cell the photos didn't come out right.
I really love the bag, blue is my favourite color, so I'm very happy! Yana (my scottish) and I go shopping with it quite often! Thanks again!!! And keep going with this great job you're doing!!!
GRACIAS desde ARGENTINA!
Clara
Colorado Bag!
Love from Denver,
Kelly W.
The pits. . .and a FREEBIE!
Yes, this one is about the pits, which includes a freebie at the end.YAY!
I have always had a problem with deodorant. No matter the brand or flavor, there was some issue. My pits would itch, I would get a rash or worse, my glands would swell. ouch. I discovered natural brands like Tom's of Maine, Burt's Bees, etc with marginal success. I was never completely happy with any of them.
Then, I read this post from Amy Karol at the Angry Chicken. She made her OWN deodorant. The clouds opened and the heavens sang. It sounded very simple and I HAD to try!
I followed Amy's recipe almost exactly except that I bought Vitamin E oil and used about 1/2 tsp. instead of breaking open gel caps. The recipe and how to can be found on her post.
I bought the Vitamin E oil from Whole Body and it is this brand and the butters from the place Amy suggested found here. I bought the 4 oz. glass jelly jars from Kroger. I do believe you can find them at any grocery store.
Amy was not kidding about using a lot of essential oil. I am currently using the lemon flavor that I made and had to use quite a bit to mask the smell of the butters. I have been using my new concoction for over a week now and am very happy. It's a little more messy to put on, but I'm ok with touching my pits (my neighbor suggested a paintbrush!). The thing I LOVE MOST about this is that there's NO PLASTIC container wasted at the end. Simply wash out the glass one and REUSE. Love! Thanks Amy! If you read this, I hope you will let me send you a bag!
Jelly jars, even came with cute labels. . .
Following the recipe from Angry Chicken. . .
Not much clean up. . .
The final product. . .
I have always had a problem with deodorant. No matter the brand or flavor, there was some issue. My pits would itch, I would get a rash or worse, my glands would swell. ouch. I discovered natural brands like Tom's of Maine, Burt's Bees, etc with marginal success. I was never completely happy with any of them.
Then, I read this post from Amy Karol at the Angry Chicken. She made her OWN deodorant. The clouds opened and the heavens sang. It sounded very simple and I HAD to try!
I followed Amy's recipe almost exactly except that I bought Vitamin E oil and used about 1/2 tsp. instead of breaking open gel caps. The recipe and how to can be found on her post.
I bought the Vitamin E oil from Whole Body and it is this brand and the butters from the place Amy suggested found here. I bought the 4 oz. glass jelly jars from Kroger. I do believe you can find them at any grocery store.
Amy was not kidding about using a lot of essential oil. I am currently using the lemon flavor that I made and had to use quite a bit to mask the smell of the butters. I have been using my new concoction for over a week now and am very happy. It's a little more messy to put on, but I'm ok with touching my pits (my neighbor suggested a paintbrush!). The thing I LOVE MOST about this is that there's NO PLASTIC container wasted at the end. Simply wash out the glass one and REUSE. Love! Thanks Amy! If you read this, I hope you will let me send you a bag!
Jelly jars, even came with cute labels. . .
Ingredients. . .
Want some? How about a freebie? I will make 5 lavender scented jars and ship them out (with some other FUN SURPRISES in the box!!!) to 5 lucky winners. Yay! If you are chosen to win and do not have a bag, I'll send you one of those too.
Here are the rules:
•LEAVE A COMMENT, IN THE COMMENT LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THIS FORMAT: name(at)something(dot)com it is important to spell out dot and at so you don't get spam, if you DO NOT leave an email address, we will not hunt you down to send you a freebie, thanks.
•DEADLINE FOR THE FREEBIE IS MIDNIGHT (CST) MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2010.
•FIVE LUCKY WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM FROM THE COMMENTS TO WIN!
If you TWEET, FACEBOOK or BLOG about this freebie you can have extra entries, one for each that you do! That is 4 chances per person to win!
Good Luck, Teresa
Love this. . .
This is the poster for this exhibition in Chicago, if you live in or near the Windy City, go check it out!
Here is a blurb about the show:
Join us as we delve into human nature in relation to the natural environment; our inherent connection as animals dependent on the Earth for survival and the disconnection created by technology, self & society.
“There, now it will last forever” is an exhibition of works by some of Chicago’s most talented environmentally minded and motivated artists. The exhibition includes drawings, paintings, collage, objects, and installations.
Teresa
Don't think the oil spill is a big deal?
Just scroll through the photos found here. YUCK.
Hermit crabs struggle to cross a patch of oil from the the Deepwater Horizon spill on a barrier island near East Grand Terre Island, Louisiana on Sunday, June 6, 2010. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) #
Marine reef ecologist Scott Porter works to remove oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill from his hands on Monday, June 7, 2010, in the Gulf of Mexico south of Venice, Louisiana. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) #
Again, go HERE to see them all, quite compelling. But, read the previous post to see what you can do to help. Teresa
Great article. . .oil spill does have me down. . .
Oil Spill Got You Down?
Don't fret, seize the opportunity
In 1968, when I learned about the population bomb in biology class, I was overwhelmed. The planet was heading for disaster and there was nothing I could do to stop it. In the 70s, it was nuclear weapons; in the 80s, the ozone hole. This spring, it's the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. But these days I know something I didn't know then. There is always something I/you/we can do.
I don't mean we can erase the disaster that has already occurred. That's oil under the bridge—and if we're unlucky, into the Gulf Stream. What we can do is help prevent recurrence. For recurrence is not only likely but inevitable as long as we allow offshore drilling, depend on oil and, indeed, continue to consume energy as if there were an unlimited supply.
Therefore, this is the time—when we are sick at the thought of the workers killed, sea turtles and other endangered species harmed, fisheries ruined, coastline polluted and coral reefs destroyed—to change our lives.
To begin, we must change our mindset.
Don't fret, seize the opportunity
In 1968, when I learned about the population bomb in biology class, I was overwhelmed. The planet was heading for disaster and there was nothing I could do to stop it. In the 70s, it was nuclear weapons; in the 80s, the ozone hole. This spring, it's the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. But these days I know something I didn't know then. There is always something I/you/we can do.
I don't mean we can erase the disaster that has already occurred. That's oil under the bridge—and if we're unlucky, into the Gulf Stream. What we can do is help prevent recurrence. For recurrence is not only likely but inevitable as long as we allow offshore drilling, depend on oil and, indeed, continue to consume energy as if there were an unlimited supply.
Therefore, this is the time—when we are sick at the thought of the workers killed, sea turtles and other endangered species harmed, fisheries ruined, coastline polluted and coral reefs destroyed—to change our lives.
To begin, we must change our mindset.
Read what to do and the rest of the article here.
Article by Sheryl Eisenberg
Little Girl is so sweet. . .
Look at these nice collages that Little Girl made for me from fabric samples. My favorite part is the GO! GO! GREEN! Love it! Teresa
NY Bag and Bag Lady!
Teresa,
I just wanted to say thank you for the bag! I am using it and loving it! I was so touched by your cause that I decided to make bags for all my followers. (ok so theres only 4) but its a start he he. I posted a link/pics to your site on my blog. www.widgetworm.blogspot.com
Thanks again,
Kelly
P.S.
thanks to bagette dad too!
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Great job Kelly! I love that you made bags for your followers. Keep it up and help rid NY of plastic! Teresa
England Bags!
I am in Brighton in England, I received bag 9823, I gave this bag to a colleague at work,
she did not want her photo taken but she does use the bag (see photo). I also made a bag with the blue fabric you sent and here is a photo of me in my kitchen.
Thanks again !
Frederique
Sri Lanka Bags!
I wrote to your dad thanking you both for the lovely gifts I received, I finished sewing the other bag yesterday in one sitting and it inspired me to make a few more, thank you so much!
Thanks again,
Take Care
Love,
Sarah
Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
Congrats!
Random.org spit out number 3, congratulations Mary you are the winner of the $60 CSN gift card freebie! Thanks to everyone that entered. If you entered and do not have a Green Bag Lady bag, Bagette Dad will send you one. You will get an email from him today! Everybody wins! Teresa
$60 Freebie!
The nice people at CSN stores are offering one of my readers a $60 gift card to use at any of their sites. I have had a great time checking some things out like a bedroom vanity, chandeliers, eco-friendly storage, organic baby towels and SO VERY much more! You can pick anything from any of their sites such as:
Just Vanities
Cookware.com
All Modern
OR any of their 200 sites!
How cool is that? Here are the rules:
•LEAVE A COMMENT, IN THE COMMENT LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THIS FORMAT: name(at)something(dot)com it is important to spell out dot and at so you don't get spam, if you DO NOT leave an email address, we will not hunt you down to send you a freebie, thanks.
•IN THE COMMENT TELL US HOW YOU WOULD SPEND THE $60 GIFT CARD.
•DEADLINE FOR THE FREEBIE IS MIDNIGHT (CST) MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2010.
•ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN FROM THE COMMENTS TO WIN!
•This FREEBIE is open to USA and CANADA residents only. There may be shipping costs involved, and if you are Canadian, international fees for certain items may apply.
Good Luck and thanks to CSN! Teresa
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