While we were in Athens, we decided to stop by Earth Fare and look for an alternative to soy milk. I have been wondering what I should be pouring over my cereal ever since reading that book that scared the soy out of me.
 

While we were there, we cased the joint and added up some great 411 about the store's green practices. For one thing, Earth Fare has joined the ranks of those previously mentioned grocers who are trying some innovative ways to reduce the number of bags that go out their doors. 

If you've been listening, you know that those insidious little sacks travel practically straight from the checkout to the ocean where they wind themselves around the necks of hapless seals and sea lions. Obviously, we should all be trying to avoid this.

In the interest of saving seals and other inhabitants of the planet, Earth Fare has begun to charge for supplying you with bags for your groceries. We know that you know you should already be using your own reusable bags for all purchases, but the folks at Earth Fare are willing to give you a gentle reminder just in case you for forget. Now, whenever a customer requests a bag, be it paper or plastic, the Earth Fare friendly cashiers collect a nickel a piece, funds that are then donated to whichever charity has been designated as the Earth Fare Friend of the month.

If on the other hand, you remembered to bring your reusable bag, the donation comes out of Earth Fare's till instead of your pocket. I guess they rightly decided they would rather support charities than suffocate another seal.  

So hey, Money Bags, what are you going to bring your groceries home in? It's your nickel.