Rye Toasts …

Ashley Craig, passionate environmentalist and determined volunteer. A few months ago, she was chatting with friends about starting a business making reusable bags for the holidays versus wrapping paper and what a difference it would make to the environment.

The next thing friends knew, The Friends of Rye Nature Center had underwritten the “Keep the Green in Rye” event and she was presenting the project to the City Council and the Conservation Commission/ Advisory Council, said friend Suzanna Keith. The dark green, red and blue reusable bags selling for $2 at many Rye stores, businesses and schools are Craig's finished product.

June and Ho has sold nearly 800 bags in the last few weeks. The Rye Record sold 10 in one morning.

June 3 through 10 is “Bring Your Own Bag week” and Rye's favorite “bag lady,” Ashley Craig, hopes all Rye residents will buy at least one reusable bag and bring it with them when they shop. Keep them in the backseat of your car so you're never empty-handed when you go marketing.

Plastic is oh-so-retro and clogs up our waste streams. Just say no, when a clerk tries to put your purchase in a plastic bag.

“The Green Movement is beginning to tip,” said Craig enthusiastically.