A column about how we Philadelphians can start thinking about controlling consumption and protecting our world in small increments.

One of the more frightening things heard recently -- more frightening than the prospect of another Clinton presidency -- is the fact that there is a vortex of trash twice the size of Texas swirling and growing in the Pacific Ocean. It sounds like something from a science fiction movie called When Trash Attacks!, but sadly, it is a reality. Much of the makeup of the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" is, as you can probably guess, plastics. And like a movie creature, this trash monster seems hungry for more. If that doesn't make you want to decrease your use of plastic, well then you are much more cold-hearted than we are. Let's stop adding to the vortex! We should all be trying to reduce our plastic use. This may seem like a daunting task, but there surely is one no-brainer: NO PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS!

Last year IKEA started charging for plastic bags. Some stores are taking it a step further by abolishing plastic completely. Most notably, Whole Foods recently announced plans to phase out plastic by Earth Day -- April 22, 2008. Whole Foods will also give you a small monetary credit towards your food bill for every bag you bring to be filled. Free money is free money, even if it is only a nickel a pop. Eschewing plastic at the cash register is a responsible choice, and also a pretty darn simple one. There is no sacrifice involved here, only a slight lifestyle change (remembering to actually bring the darn bags to the market).

Phillyist is trying to make it even simpler for you by giving you some groovy non-plastic suggestions.

You can get started right now from your desk. Buy a bag online at Reusablebags.com. No this is not a paid endorsement, it's just that we've ordered with success from this company and can recommend a few styles. The Acme Workhorse is lightweight and compact. We keep one on hand at all times for unexpected shopping emergencies. Another useful style from Acme is the Earthtote. Keep a few in your trunk and always have them ready for your grocery shopping. And this Reisenthel bag is just so darn cool, when you aren't using it for shopping, pack it in your suitcase to use as a beach bag/souvenir tote.

A cheap option for bags is to pick one up at your local market. Many big stores such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Target offer their own branded bags for just a few bucks a piece. Not the sturdiest options out there, but they do the trick, and hey, you get what you pay for.

Or make one yourself if you are feeling crafty. (You know you are!) This is a project even the most beginner level sewer can easily swing. So break out that hand-me-down machine and get making. There are plenty of great, easy patterns online, but here's a simple one from Burdastyle to get you going.

This is easy, people. File this one in the "we should already be doing this" column. Oftentimes Philadelphia gets a bad rap, so we can use this small step to show the rest of the country that we actually care about something other than the success of our sports teams.

Image Credit: Whole Foods