Green Trash Bags and Green Aluminum Foil

In I went to the grocery store (Ralph’s) tonight, and out I came with some surprising finds!

Our household (2 adults) goes through a box of trash bags once or twice a year. Luckily we recycle everything we can, and compost our food waste. Tonight I made a rare detour from my usual grocery store (Trader Joe’s) to the Ralph’s next store.

When looking for our next 6 month’s supply of trash bags I saw a ton of options ranging from the indestructible force flex option to the generic store option. And then Hefty Renew Tall Kitchen Bags caught my eye. The trash bags are made from 65% recycled plastic (44% post-consumer; 21% pre-consumer material) packaged in 100% paperboard. While I’d prefer to see an option with a higher % of recycled material, I felt relieved that I even saw an option (hopefully many more will be carried in the future).

Right next to the trash bags was aluminum foil, which I have been out of for several months. I have eliminated using it to line my pans when baking, but have found times where I wish I had the option to cover my goodies once I store them in the fridge, or send some home with friends. The one and only option I found was Reynolds Wrap foil made from 100% recycled aluminum foil, 100% recycled paperboard, and water based printing inks. I was impressed that they dedicated an entire side of the packaging to demonstrate their commitment to the environment….. “you don’t have to sacrifice quality for the well-being of our environment.” Which leads me to the question, “Why aren’t ALL of the Reynolds Wrap products made from 100% aluminum if quality has not been sacrificed?” I’ll keep you posted on how well these stack up to the non-green options.

These name brands were the ONLY recycled options in their respective product categories. I look forward to the day when the shelves are stocked exclusively with environmentally responsible products! I’m happy about progress, but scratch my head when Hefty sells 9 out of 10 product variations made from virgin materials.

Oh, and feel free to apply some friendly pressure on your local, regional and/or national grocery stores to carry more green options! Money talks, and taking the time to make more informed choices will help us all have more green choices!