MM- Surf Entrepreneur’s Plastic Crusade

Surfer and entrepreneur, Doug Lober has found a way to get people to tackle plastic waste and ‘Go Reusable’.

You don’t have to be an environmentalist to want to help the Earth!

Doug Lober

This month’s mission… go reusable!

Reusable bags have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reasons…

1. According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 doesn’t survive on a soft surface (like fabric). It does survive on hard surfaces like door handles and elevator buttons that are touched frequently.
2. Plastic bags are made from petroleum products and natural gas, both non-renewable resources, and their manufacture helps to drive up gas prices.
3. Reusable bags are made to last. Unlike plastic bags, which are designed for single use, reusable bags can be used hundreds of times.
4. Plastic bags are a major source of pollution. They can take up to 1,000 years to decompose, and they often end up in our oceans and waterways, harming marine life.
5. Reusable bags are eco-friendly. When you use a reusable bag, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and helping to protect the environment.
6. Reusable bags come in a variety of materials, including cotton, canvas, and nylon. This means you can choose a bag that suits your needs and style.
7. Some reusable bags are even made from recycled materials, making them even more environmentally friendly.
8. Reusable bags are easy to clean. Most can be machine washed or wiped down with a damp cloth.
9. Reusable bags are sturdy and can hold more weight than plastic bags. This means you can carry more groceries in fewer trips.
10. Some stores offer discounts for customers who bring their own bags. This can help you save money over time.
11. Reusable bags are versatile. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including carrying books, gym clothes, and beach gear.
12. Reusable bags are fashionable. Many stores offer stylish bags that can be worn as a fashion accessory.
13. Reusable bags are convenient. They can be folded up and stored in your purse or car, so you always have one on hand.
14. Reusable bags are safer for wildlife. Animals are less likely to mistake a reusable bag for food than they are a plastic bag.
15. In landfills, paper bags create more than twice as much atmospheric waste as plastic ones do, so they’re not necessarily a better choice for the environment.
16. Reusable bags can be customized. Many stores and websites offer personalized bags, making them a great gift or promotional item.
17. Reusable bags are cost-effective. While they may cost more upfront than plastic bags, they last much longer and can save you money in the long run.
18. Reusable bags are a simple way to make a difference. By using a reusable bag, you’re helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the world and showing others that small changes can have a big impact.

Despite all these benefits, many of us still accept disposable packaging as part of consumer culture. The only true way to change this, is to refuse to buy products packaged in throw-away materials (even biodegradable packaging is reliant on specific conditions for organic breakdown to occur). The most powerful way to create a sustainable, affordable and healthy future is to protect nature and its resources by switching to reusable (bags, bottles, and every other form of packaging/preserving/carrying).

Doug Lober is Co-Founder and Chief Product Specialist for ReuseThisBag.com. Lober is a passionate environmentalist with roots in the Southern California surf culture. Over the last 15 years, Lober has launched and supported a number of environmental initiatives around the land, sea, and air. Today, he continues to provide and support the use of eco-friendly promotional products for small, medium, and Fortune 500 companies.