Today,we are going to be talking to the creator of SkipTheBag.com, Katy.

Q: So Katy tell us a little about you.

A: Hi, I’m Katy. I live in beautiful Pensacola, Florida with my husband, cat, dog, 4 chickens and our garden. Despite living in Florida for most of my adult life I’m an Oregon girl at heart as I was born and raised in the Portland Metro area.

Q: What was your motivation to start #SkipTheBag?

A: My husband and I were lucky enough to spend 2 years in Hawaii on the beautiful windward side of Oahu. We were there during July 2015 when Oahu passed their single use plastic bag ban. When I moved back to Pensacola, Florida in early 2016 I experienced a culture shock about how many plastic bags were being used everywhere. I learned that plastic bag bans and taxes are actually illegal in Florida. So I decided to start #SkipTheBag to help encourage people to refuse plastic bags.

Q: What is the #SkipTheBag Challenge?

First, Decide if you need a bag at all. Many times if you are just running in for a quick errand you only have a few items you may be able to just carry the items out.

Get reusable bags you like. I used to have large square ones that I would stash in my car. That way even if I forgot to bring them into the store I could run out to the parking lot to grab them. Think of it as bonus exercise and saving the planet. Now, I use ones that fold up and fit in my purse. I don’t carry a huge purse, but the bags are pretty small and it means I am never without a bag. .

Use paper. While paper bags seem to have fallen out of favor, some grocery stores still carry them. The paper bags are often made from recycled paper and can be further recycled.

What to do if you slip up and get a plastic bag? Recycle it! Unfortunately plastic bags aren’t allowed in most curbside recycling programs, but many grocery and big box stores have recycling bins. They are typically near the entrance of the store, in a cardboard box. Look around next time you are in one. I saved up all my bags in one of them and when it was full I would take it back to the store.

Q: What if we are already using reusable bags?

A: There are levels two and three of the challenge that are made for you!

Q: How can we help spread the word about this amazing movement?

A: Follow @SkipTheBag on Twitter/Instagram/Google+/Facebook

Skip the bag! When you are out shopping don’t accept a plastic bag. Use a reusable bag or just hand carry the items.

Spread the word! Tell us your experience or post a photo using the hashtag #skipthebag.

Feel great knowing you did something good for the environment.

Q: What is next for #Skipthebag?

A: March is #SkipTheBag month. The goal is to refuse all plastic bags for the month. No plastic bags from the grocery store, farmer’s market, clothing store, hardware store, home store, restaurant take out, or anywhere else that plastic bags are lurking. It might be hard, but I hope that people will share their successes and struggles with refusing plastic bags using the hashtag #SkipTheBag. There will be weekly informational emails and a giveaway.

Q: How do we participate in #SkipTheBag Month?

A: Sign up for emails. I will be sending out articles and tips once a week during the month to help motivate and encourage you.

Follow @SkipTheBag on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook

Skip the bag! When you are out don’t accept plastic bag. Use a reusable bag, paper bag, pillowcase or just hand carry the items. How you transport the items is less important than refusing the plastic bag.

Spread the word. Share your achievements and challenges using the hashtag #SkipTheBag.

Visit SkipTheBag.com and enter the giveaways!

Q: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us on our first Zero Waste Cause Spotlight and best of luck with everything.

A: It was a pleasure, Thank you.