Regarding the man who wrote in response to Nina Glick’s article about plastic bags misled people (“What’s the Fuss Over Plastic Bags?,” July 19, 2018); he made it sound like it was fine/the best option to use regular plastic bags for groceries, and that we should not use reusable plastic bags. His opinions dissuade people from being environmentally responsible. Cloth bags are available in many sizes and in many places and can last for many years, thus saving huge quantities of paper and plastic bags from having to be manufactured in the first place. Reusable plastic bags (not my first choice for reusable bags) can last years and years also. I have been keeping cloth bags in the trunk of my car for over 40 years, and a number of the ones I presently use are well over 20 years old. My few reusable plastic bags are one to 10 years old. I shop in small quantities three or more times a week, plus I use them at all types of stores, so do the math. How many forests have not been cut, how many toxins have not polluted our air (especially from the manufacture and recycling of plastic) because one person took responsibility? Imagine the impact we could have as a group. Plus, how much money do groceries and other stores spend on bags?
Shaini Worthman Passaic