Paper, Plastic, Or…Parachute?

December 04, 2020

Paper, Plastic, Or...Parachute?

 

When you go grocery shopping at your favorite grocery store, you generally hear the salesclerk ask whether you want your groceries placed into a paper or plastic bag.  Your choice can make a big impact on the environment.

 

Consider that Americans use more than 100 billion plastic bags each year which works out to more than 300 bags annually.  These plastic bags are generally utilized for approximately 12 minutes, but each bag can exist in the environment for up to 1,000 years.  Unfortunately, many of these bags end up in waterways and eventually the ocean.

 

Once in the ocean, these bags break down into small, plankton-sized particles with these pieces collecting toxins like PCBs and DDT at levels up to 1 million times the levels found naturally in seawater.  Sadly, marine wildlife mistake these plastic bags for food, especially sea turtles hunting for jellyfish.

 

While there are many municipalities that have banned plastic bag use, it is not enough. Plastics, especially bags, continue to pollute the ocean and other waterways. Please consider doing your part to make a smarter choice during your next shopping trip by using multi-use bags to carry your groceries from the store check-out area to your home.

 

At HEAVENDROPt, the Veterans and people with disabilities we employ create a Parachute Tote Bag that can help you reduce your plastic bag usage and can be used over and over again. This sturdy and affordable tote bag is constructed entirely from recycled U.S. military parachutes. Choosing this option is not only a great choice for the environment, but also provides you with an authentic piece of military history that proudly displays the HEAVENDROPt logo, sure to be a conversation starter in the check-out line.

 

HEAVENDROPt, is a social enterprise of Evergreen Life Services, and employs both veterans and individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Purchasing products from HEAVENDROPt not only allows you to have an amazing functional piece of military history, it also allows you to help our mission of providing meaningful work experiences with those with disabilities.

 

To learn more about our mission, view our amazing yet affordable products, and discover how we serve veterans and people with disabilities by providing vocational training through upcycling authentic military parachutes, visit heavendropt.org and evergreenls.org.

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