To the ever-present question of paper vs. plastic, University junior Kathy Redden is asking students to give a different answer: neither.
In September, Redden teamed up with a few friends and campus organizations to produce 200 reusable bags in an effort to discourage waste and reduce greenhouse gases. After a lot of coordination and order forms, the bags finally arrived last month.
“I just am really sick of all the paper and plastic bags that are wasted,” Redden said. “It takes a lot of energy to recycle them. This whole process just seems like a big waste, and we have such an easy solution.”
Redden is selling the bags for $3 each and proceeds will benefit the Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Living. CASL essentially sponsored Redden’s campaign when it donated $300, which Redden used to purchase the bags.
Redden is one of many who are concerned about excessive grocery bag use. As environmental issues have moved to the forefront in recent years, several chain grocery stores have begun selling their own brand of reusable shopping bags.
Redden’s bags are made from 30 percent recycled materials, and the bags are recyclable. She introduced the bags Thursday night at a concert at Cozmic Pizza, where she sold 20 of them. Students interested in purchasing a bag can join the Facebook group Students for Reusable Bags or contact Redden.
The group is not an active organization, however. Redden specifically did not want to create a student group because she believes this will soon cease to be an issue.
“My main goal is actually to get this more a part of the infrastructure of U of O, where you can buy reusable bags at the bookstore (or) at the Grab ‘n’ Go,” said Redden. “It will be commonplace to see reusable bags on campus, and not just something environmentalists do.”
University sophomore Melanie Giangreco, co-director of CASL, said it made sense for her organization to sponsor Redden because CASL focuses on reducing and reusing before recycling.
“I think this will be really good for spreading awareness just because it is something tangible, so it’s more than just having a poster up,” said Giangreco. “It’s something people can do in their own lives.”
Redden also had support from the Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group and the Survival Center, but she covered the cost of the silk screen and some of the ink herself. University junior Brennan Thome created the “Use me and reuse me” design on the bags, which are available in multiple colors.
To promote the bags, Redden has been speaking in classes and using them herself, which has caught the attention of people including her Spanish instructor, who ended up purchasing a few, she said. Redden will also sell bags at a table in the EMU on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Redden and Giangreco are both hopeful the bags will promote the environmental cause.
“I think it will really do a lot in terms of just getting the message out about consumption,” said Giangreco.
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