Originally posted on RandomEgg.com:

How do we stop using so many plastic bags? How do we cut down on the endless barrage of bags that end up in our trash and our recycling bins?

The obvious solution is to reuse sturdy bags made of canvas, hemp or whatever. The problem is, there is no real incentive to use one (other than being environmentally sane), and let's face it, it's not very "cool" to walk down the street with your "hippie" bag while all the cool people are carrying old-school plastic bags!

Solutions:1. Give people a real economical incentive to reuse bags.2. Make it cool to reuse a bag.

Proposal:Create an association of retail outlets, stores, chains who are willing to participate in a real environmental movement. Brand the association using slick marketing and create some snazzy looking bags of various styles and sizes. Sell the bags to consumer's at rock bottom prices.

The kicker: Offer 5% off for ALL purchases made at ANY of the participating businesses with any of the branded bags! Just use your bag and save!

Businesses will be willing to participate because it is an easy way to be "green." The five percent discount can be written off as charitable donation or whatever (let the lawyers and accountants hack it out.). With momentum, very large companies will want to play because they want to be perceived as green. (Think Safeway, Macy's, Walmart).

5% off will get consumers fighting over the supply of bags! (Think Safeway, Macy's, Walmart!) Once the concept spreads, the bags could become status symbols that people want to be seen with, like white ipod wires or Nike sneakers.

Now who wants to walk down the street with a PLASTIC BAG?!

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