No Paper, No Plastic - Try Furoshiki

I learned a new word today and a new concept (to me) for carrying things - furoshiki.

All you need is a square of fabric to employ this ancient Japanese technique. It takes shape as you tie knots. See here how furoshiki works.

Maybe on a slow shopping day I will try this at Twin City. I try to bring my own bag and have successfully foiled the bag-surrender rule by having a rolled-up Envirosax bag in my pocket. Sometimes if I am not quick enough, the cashier still stows my stuff in plastic bags. With double-bagging, I can end up with four plastic bags for just two items.

I am already regarded as an eccentric old lady over there for using my own bag. How much more could I shock them by whipping out a flat square and knotting it up into a carry-bag? Of course, this would not work if there was a line. I would hear as much grumbling behind me as when another old person opens a change purse and ever so slowly counts out the exact change.

Plastic bags have been banned in Seattle, You must bring your own or purchase a reusable one. I sent Audrey and Peter some Envirosax and also gave Audrey a clever little bag from JetPens.

Living near Park & Seventh, I have spent a lot of time plucking errant plastic bags out of my garden and the shrubbery. They get stuck in trees and the wind makes them do eerie dances down the driveway. I would love to see them banned in New Jersey.

--Bernice