Think “Green” with Dover AFB Commissary bags Published June 11, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu 436th AW Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- In commissaries worldwide, one million customers have one thing in common - a green reusable shopping bag. As part of the Defense Commissary Agency's efforts to improve the environment, these green bags were put on the shelves in October and have been in demand ever since. "The commissary at Dover (Air Force Base) has sold over 6,000 bags," said Robert Herms, Dover AFB Commissary store director. "There has been a big push for commissaries to go green, and this is one of many methods to help improve the environment." This is the beginning of a learning process to 'think green' for those who don't normally recycle on a daily basis, he said. These recyclable bags are machine washable and can be recycled when they're no longer usable, helping to reduce the number of plastic and paper bags used by consumers. These containers may be mesh material sold at only 70 cents each, but they are strong enough to hold up to 30 pounds of groceries. Frequent Commissary customer, Kathie Cocklin, wife of Col. James Cocklin, said she brings along her reusable bags every time she shops for groceries. "They're easier to use than paper or plastic because the bags are sturdier, they can hold more items and they're better for the environment," said Mrs. Cocklin. "Sometimes when we purchase a few items, we don't need a bag. Many times, it's more convenient for people to throw their plastic bags away than to recycle them. "The only hard thing about reusable bags is to remember to take them in the store when you go shopping, but after a few times, it becomes a habit," said Mrs. Cocklin. "I'm glad the base not only gives us this awesome opportunity to help better the environment through these bags, but also having recyclable items picked up in base housing," she said. To buy a reusable commissary bag, look for them on the bag racks at the commissary or ask a cashier when checking out.