greenerMIAMI

A Ban on Plastic Bags in Miami?

Tamara Lush recently wrote a very interesting article on plastic bags in the Miami New Times. It seems that Commissioner Marc Sarnoff is planning on floating "four green proposals before the commission: ban all leafleting in the city, ask county leaders to require that all taxis be hybrid vehicles, stop city government from buying bottled water, and prohibit grocery stores from using plastic bags."

What do I think? I love it. I love that it will be at least discussed.

The article mentions the use of paper bags and eludes to the fact that they are biodegradable...seeming to insinuate that paper bags are a better option. I beg to differ. Data tells us that paper bags take MUCH more energy to create, recycle, and due to current landfill situations, nothing biodegrades.

I love the idea of a ban on plastic bags. But are we talking about a ban on bags, or will people just wind up using paper bags, which is no better whatsoever.

I promote the first step as "pay-per-bag". Start charging customers 25 cents per plastic bag and see how many people start to bring their own. It may not sound like a lot of money, but it should do the trick.

Read the entire article...what do you think?

Organic Buying Club of South Florida; Event 10/21

The Organic Buying Club of South Florida is a topic we still haven't covered here on greenerMIAMI. It's a similar but different concept to a CSA. The organic buying club organizes groups of individuals who are interested in purchasing organic produce, but at a lower cost than we would find in the grocery store. By buying large quantities of organic produce, you can get great food, cheaper.

Every other week members receive 25-35 pounds of fresh, organic, (but note: not local) produce for a fee of $43. Visit their website to learn more (and tell them we sent you!).

If you'd like to meet the people behind the club, join them for their 2nd Annual Bountiful Harvest Celebration at Oleta River State Park on Sunday, October 21, 2007 from Noon to Sunset. Here's what they tell us about the event: 

• Learn why organic food is essential to your health
• Listen to various authorities on the subject
• Free 5 minute chair massage, mini-facial and more
• Savor organic food
• Bring your entire family; there will be all kinds of fun activities for both adults and kids
• Organic Fruit Basket Raffle
• Email them for more info...

Green Is Glam with Dream in Green 10/20 Setai

RSVP now for the Dream in Green Green is Glam event on Saturday, October 20 at The Setai.

I hear there will be a green raffle!