Melanie Reid is a heroine, even if her editor thinks she is a little bit carried away with enthusiasm
Plastic bags are symbolic of thrifty, sensible Middle England. People take for granted their phenomenal flexibility for carrying, containing, keeping water out or dampness in. Shopping is just the start of it. No man born of woman does not avail himself of a plastic bag at some point in every day, be it for carrying papers, storing smelly gym kit or wet swimming costume, protecting his lunch in the office fridge, or making a parachute for his Action Man.
And no woman, either. Among a myriad uses, plastic bags are irreplaceable for packing shoes, storing paintbrushes in, shredding for craft projects, fancy dress, keeping clothes dry in rucksacks, wrapping round plastered limbs in showers, putting wet umbrellas in, holding rubbish in cars.
We use them to protect the precious and dispose of the dirty - lifting dog waste, wrapping soiled nappies. We line dustbins and lift cat litter; we separate our recycling with them.
The Times March 3, 2008
Related post:
Save the supermarket plastic bag
