Can You Do Without a Plastic Bag for One Day?

Whenever I walk into a market without one of my reusable cloth bags, I mentally kick myself. I actually apologize to the cashier for not having one. 

Yes, I've trained myself to be as eco-friendly as possible, which is why I am delighted that it's the fourth annual "A Day Without a Bag" campaign today.   

Established by Heal the Bay, a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization, shoppers and retailers throughout Los Angeles County are being asked to forgo conventional, single-use plastic bags in favor of reusable ones.

Consumers in L.A. County use more than 6 billion plastic bags per year, which translates into 500 bags per person, according to Meredith McCarthy, director of programs for Heal the Bay. These bags are not biodegradable and end up in our lakes, rivers and oceans.

"It's created an environmental crisis," McCarthy said.

Plastic bags are made from fossil fuels. They also cost taxpayers 17 cents each for disposal. Is it really worth it for just eight minutes of use?

McCarthy hopes that this event will bring about consumer awareness, leading people to make better choices and form good habits.

How can you help? The first answer is obvious. Take along a reusable bag when shopping. Don't have one? Heal the Bay is giving out 20,000 reusable bags at more than 50 giveaway locations throughout L.A. County. 

Ralph's grocery store will be awarding triple rewards points on purchases by shoppers who bring in reusable bags. Not a bad prize for helping the environment.

It's interesting to note that on Nov. 16, the county of Los Angeles officially banned in all unincorporated areas, which affects more than 1 million people. This is a step in the right direction.