Ways to take care of the planet

To the editor: It has come to my attention that one reason people are still using paper and plastic bags at the supermarket and farmer’s market (very harmful to animals and the environment) is that they perceive the reusable ones to be a hassle. Here are some tips to make doing this kindness to the planet easier: • Purchase reusable bags online (use “eco bag” to search on e-Bay) or at ShopRite. I like the big square ones and can fit a whole week’s worth of food for my family of four (two of whom are growing teens) in four bags. They’re inexpensive and you can use them for the beach, too. They won’t tear like paper or blow away like plastic. And each time you use them you can think about the sea turtles you are saving (if you ever meet a sea turtle you will feel very happy about saving him). • Another option are the canvas bags sold at the farmer’s market. They are lovely. I use them, too. • Keep the bags in your car so you don’t forget to bring them to the market. • At ShopRite, if you use the self-check out, loop the handles over the metal bars that hold the plastic bags. That way, the little computer person won’t scold you for having unidentified objects in the bagging area. If you still have trouble, the store’s employees are getting better about helping turn off the little voice. • Think about doing your food shopping on Sunday. Take your bags to the farmer’s market. You can get bread, cheese, eggs, meat, fruits and veggies. You will be supporting the farmers, keeping money in the community and eating good, healthy, fresh food. If you find something interesting and don’t know how to prepare it, e-mail me and I’ll send you a recipe: despots@optonline.net. And at the farmer’s market, there are no little computer voices. Thanks for helping take care of our community and our planet. Dr. Deborah Bernstein Warwick