The above photo by Chris Jordan depicts 60,000 plastic bags, the number used in the U.S. every five seconds.

The second photo is a partial zoom.

The final photo is detail at actual size.

On July 31, I successfully completed my 30 day challenge. It also happened to be the last day of artist Chris Jordan’s photo exhibit ‘Running the Numbers’. On display most recently at the Von Lintel Gallery in New York, this incredible new series “looks at contemporary American culture through the austere lens of statistics”. Jordan’s work uses large photo images to portray the quantities of consumption which occur during specific time frames. If you happen to find yourself in Los Angeles after September 8, you can catch ‘Running Numbers’ at the Paul Kopeikin Gallery.

As for my own challenge, to last the entire month of July without accepting plastic bags; I honestly did not accept a SINGLE one…. so easy, and very satisfying. It is now simply a good habit which I fully intend to continue. Incidentally, since my posting on July 1, an estimated 50,141,616,005 plastic bags have been consumed worldwide.

I thought it was about time for an update regarding my 30 day challenge.You may remember….can I last 30 days without accepting plastic bags with any purchases I make during the month of July? Well, so far so good. Easy peasy. No problemo. It is simply a matter of habit, like brushing one’s teeth or walking the dog. I have been caught without my market bag a few times, but it’s really no big deal. I carry my purchases in my arms…..sin plástico.

My friend, Sue is living in Nairobi these days. When she read my blog entry, here is what she had to share…….”Kenya has outlawed plastic bags – it’s a 2,000 KSh fine ($35) if you are using one, so we are all walking around the streets of Nairobi carrying this ugly bright blue one someone made like we just got off a Carnival Cruise line tour. The handles are too short so you can’t get it over your jumper and it’s covered with white silk screened ads for computer stores and paint companies. Needless to say, I have sent a note to the Mayor.” Sue is a firecracker, and a fashionable one, at that.

Yesterday I happeneded upon a story at serious eats, talking about these $15 Anya Hindmarch cloth market bags that have completely sold out at Whole Foods in New York City. People had lined up all night to get their mitts on these super sought after fashion statements. Apparently, these bags have completely sold out in the U.S. (and are going for big bucks on Ebay) and nearly caused a riot in Hong Kong. This statement appears on Anya Hindmarch’s site…..”Due to the unprecedented demand for ‘I’m Not A Plastic Bag’ in South East Asia and our concerns for our customers safety we will be cancelling the launches at the following stores: Anya Hindmarch Beijing, On Pedder in Shanghai and On Pedder in Jakarta” I SO don’t get it! Oh well……if all those whacked fashion sheep actually USE them in place of plastic and awareness is raised regarding this issue, then I guess it’s progress.

I love my market bag. In fact, I love it so much that it has inspired me to create my own 30 day challenge; not to quit smoking, not to lose 10 lbs (but now that I mention it…), not to stop swearing (*%&#@ no!), but to not accept plastic bags with any purchases I make during the month of July. Even if I should get caught without and have to fill my arms full, spilling over with fresh produce, rice milk and tampons; then that will teach me to be more prepared next time. Our household shares three market bags which hang beautifully on our kitchen wall . I keep one in my car…yes I did say ‘car’…I know, I know, one step forward, one step back. One small step for man, one giant leap for…..oh, nevermind.

Plastic bags are ugly; both for humans and the environment. At the time of this post, the estimated number of plastic bags consumed worldwide so far this year was 246,997,149,168 and counting. Reusable cloth bags are cool; again, both for humans and the environment. While visiting the Portobello West Market last weekend, I came across a beautiful line of reusable bags by Vancouver’s own Bring Your Own Bag. Made from 100% cotton, these eco-chic reusable cloth shopping bags “provide people with the best selection of reusable shopping bags that combine fashion, style, quality, and awarenes”. I will be letting you all know how things went on August 1.