It's apparently the first of its kind in Wisconsin. Every home in Shorewood will receive a reusable shopping bag in an effort to keep mounds of disposable bags out of the trash.
The Shorewood Conservation Committee, a volunteer branch of the Village Board, came up with the idea. Kim Forbeck, who's helping coordinate this weekend's distribution, says community response has been "amazing." As someone experienced with community efforts, she was surprised at how many people have volunteered to help distribute, as well as stuff the bags with conservation information.
Members estimate if the reusable bags were used twice a week by every home, it would eliminate 720,000 bags from landfills. The 15 inch bags are produced with recyclable plastic and can be recycled as well.
Local business covered costs, at 81 cents a piece. The sponsoring companies will feature their logos on the sacks.
AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (MP3 :69)
