@GOOD Contest: Simple Idea - Big Change

In response to the tweet by GOOD magazine
@GOOD Project: Design an everyday solution to an extraordinary problem | http://su.pr/1QG9NF

Turning Plastic Trash into School Cash
By Curtis Rogers

Abridged version:

Reusable bags are great, but they are not yet the norm. Using our own bags means the cheap plastic ones will never be litter (in neighborhoods, the ocean, or anywhere else) and they’ll never be produced (lowers carbon footprint).

This idea creates an incentive for people to get into the habit of using their own bags: each time they shop with their own bag, a small donation will be given to a local school, whose logo could be printed on the grocery bag. If we can encourage kids and parents to use re-usable bags to benefit schools, they’ll be encouraged to take a good concept and convert it into a good habit. Once people get in the habit of using their own bags, they’ll realize their benefits. It’s simply easier to carry 2 canvas bags than several plastic bags.


Long Version:

The Problem

Cheap plastic bags offer few solutions, and a world of problems. In the last year, the informed public has become aware of the trash heap in the Pacific Ocean that rivals Texas in size. If this garbage patch wasn’t alarming enough, it’s hard to drive around a city without seeing white plastic litter in the roads, stuck in trees, or wrapped around barbed-wire fences. The people that throw these bags away think it’s not their fault, but too often the bags are swept up by the wind. This happens at the dump, or somewhere in the transfer process. These bags break down in the elements, but not in the good, biodegradable way. Some believe fish and other water inhabitants ingest these small pieces of plastic.

American schools are constantly in financial crisis. This is simply an ongoing problem that will not be solved easily, but one idea is a start.

The Idea

Many retailers, including Target and Albertson’s Grocery, give 5 cents back for every reusable bag that the customer uses. This provides a cash incentive, in case the “green” concept isn’t enough motivation. Many customers are either unaware of this refund, or they just can’t change their habits over a dime a week. If that money was pooled and given to a worthy cause, it could make people give it a try.

My plan is this – partner with a school system and the area retailers to give all bag refunds to the local schools. The customer could still get the cash refund, but they would also have the option to give it to the schools. This would begin with a program to have the school children selling the bags (at market prices) to their parents and neighbors. The bags could be custom printed with the school logo and numerical code. A customer that had no school preference could donate to the entire system, with the funds split evenly. Someone using their own bags could still send the money to a specific school; they’d just need to remember the code.

The initial cash generated would not be substantial, but just $100 means 2,000 bags will never be produced. This lowers our carbon footprint and keeps our communities (and world) clean. It provides a way to educate children and parents about this simple solution. Schools could have contests to see who could raise the most money. Schools could set goals and incentivize the students with special perks, such as a field day. The sight of people walking into the store with their bags will serve as a positive peer pressure to try it, and a reminder for the people who normally forget to carry them in.

Retailers and educators are very motivated to “green” their organizations. Once the program is successful at a local level, it will be easier to introduce in other areas.

Results

Fewer plastic bags created | Fewer plastic bags wasted | Promoting good habits | Promoting education


Special thanks to Will Rogers for help collaborating.