CHARLOTTE, North Carolina—Apologies are in order to my readers for being “missing in action” in the past two issues of this paper due to a visit my husband Ronnie and I made to my family in England.
To make for the absence of my “Straight from the Carolinas” columns in the past two issues, I am sharing to you dear readers an eco-friendly practice in that country that I think is worth emulating by Filipinos everywhere.
I was with my son-in-law Simon Boddison at Waitrose in Newport for some groceries the family needed for the day.
Waitrose is somewhat like SM in the Philippines or Harris Teeter here at North Carolina. Like Harris Teeter it carries its own products.
In fact I noticed that sausages, bacon, ice cream, wines and cheese were all made largely from locally produced ingredients.
So in my small mind, Waitrose's patronage of local farming enterprises may help explain why England's currency is stronger than the US dollar.
At the cashier's counter I was asked if I needed a bag to hold my purchases and of course I said “yes please.” It was only later that I learned that I was charged one pence for that bag.
I didn’t ask Simon why since I instantly knew it was for the environment. And this practice is also being done in most, if not all businesses in England. Here at Cornelius, North Carolina, my favorite grocery store Harris Teeter also observes a similar practice.
Only Harris Teeter, where Ronnie and I are resident card holders, sells green bags for the environment. But the store still offer free plastic bags for other customers.
I would relate this practice to my hometown of Tagoloan in Misamis Oriental, northern Mindanao in the Philippines where the problem of garbage had become less of an environmental problem and more of a political issue.
I am aware of that because I could read the Facebook posts of some concerned citizens of Tagoloan. I'm thinking what if one town councilor can author an ordinance requesting businesses not to sell plastic grocery bags but instead encourage customers to bring their own bags or baskets?
Compliant business owners would be given a tax discount when they renew their business permits.
The annual renewal of business permits in Tagoloan doesn't include a garbage tax which I think is just a form of extortion of local governments to its constituents across the country.
By reducing the use of plastic bags, we reduce the garbage volume and that's a desired target by any local government wishing to resolve their garbage problem.
In Waitrose, the bags are washable I think.
Not only would recycling shopping bags be eco-friendly, it would also help people save a few pennies and centavos more for their pocket. Over here at Sam Club in the Carolinas they don’t give away bags for items sold.
Instead they offer boxes where buyers can place all their purchased items. Another viable eco-friendly practice.
I know this would hurt the plastic industry but we should look at the bigger picture of protecting the environment. Thanks Waitrose Newport for sharing this sustainable best eco-friendly practice.
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Allow me to share another personal experience I had in my time spent in England.
My grandson Jacob Frederick Palmes Boddison, the son of my daughter Maria Regina (Gg Palmes) and Simon Boddison was baptized in a private service at the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at Newport.
It was a solemn affair officiated by Rev. Anthony Wild who talked about the importance of the baptism and the role of godparents in baby Jacob's life.
Baby Jacob did not cry when holy water was poured on his head to the surprise of those attending the service. Among those who attended were Simon's family and close friends.
Simon's sister Kate who's married to lawyer Ryan, a close friend Emma Chaplain with fiancé Raynand stood as sponsors.
Emma is teaching in a British school in Manila for the last five years and flew into the UK for the baptismal and the holidays.
Also in attendance was Jean Boddison, Simon's mother who looked lovely that Saturday. Jean came with her granddaughter Erin.
Rounding up the cast were Louie Boddison and Susanne Palmes who was excited for the baby's christening. Of course proud grandpa Ronnie Dennis was thrilled as well. A private reception followed at the Boddison residence.
Welcome to the Christian world my grandson and may you grow in grace in Christian faith and love. May the Lord give his angels charge over you to guide you in all your ways.