Write to know: Recycling plastic bags and searching for a shoe stretcher

Write your problem, sign your name, give your address, telephone number, and send it to: Write to Know, Cape Cod Times, 319 Main St., Hyannis, MA 02601, or email wtk@capecodonline.com. Please note: We accept listings for giveaway items only, no items for sale. No telephone inquiries are accepted.

How do stores recycle plastic bags?

Dear Write to Know: I dutifully collect plastic bags and wrappings figuring I’m doing what’s right and bring them to either Shaw’s, Star Market or Stop and Shop to be recycled in their container put out for that purpose. I’d like to know what happens to them next. How are they actually recycled?

M.D., Yarmouth Port

Dear M.D.: Grocery stores used to offer recycling bins for plastic bags but now many stores no longer use plastic bags as they are harmful to the environment. We recommend that you find uses for plastic bags at home; for example, you can use them to line a small trash can or store vegetables in. As to whether stores recycle plastic bags, we turned to www.thegrocerystoreguy.com. The short answer is that “Yes. Grocery stores that place collection bins for plastic bags do recycle them. They, in turn, pass them on to recycling companies who turn those bags, and other plastic films, into outdoor decking and railing, park benches, and picnic tables.” Thanks for writing in.

Some stores recycle plastic bags to keep them off the streets, but bag recycle collection has decreased since several towns no longer allow single-use plastic bags. [AP file]
Some stores recycle plastic bags to keep them off the streets, but bag recycle collection has decreased since several towns no longer allow single-use plastic bags. [AP file]

In search of shoe stretcher

Dear Write to Know: Does anyone have a shoe stretcher they no longer need? I would like to try stretching my leather sneakers just a tad in width. Please call P.S. at 508-362-4581. Thank you.

P.S., Yarmouth Port

Dear P.S.: We hope you receive some calls. Thanks for providing your contact information.

Saturday paper is available online

Dear Write to Know: Will the Cape Cod Times newspaper resume being delivered on Saturdays? If not, why not?

K.C., South Yarmouth

Dear K.C.: According to a recent article in the Cape Cod Times, the paper has ceased home delivery on Saturdays but instead will provide subscribers with a full digital replica of the newspaper that day, filled with local news, advertising and features such as comics and puzzles. The new model means subscribers will get newspapers delivered to their homes six days a week, with a digital newspaper available every day. The Saturday digital replica, or e-Edition, will have the same look and news as the printed newspaper. Home delivery times for the other days of the week will remain unchanged. Anyone with questions about the change can access their account at cm.capecodtimes.com/subscribe-manage/ or call customer service at 1-800-286-2233.

Why wear white after Memorial Day?

Dear Write to Know: With Memorial Day right around the corner, we wondered when the tradition of wearing white started. Any ideas?

D.J., East Falmouth

Dear D.J.: According to history.com, Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2022 occurs on Monday, May 30. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe the holiday by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season. This is probably the reason why clothing of lighter weight material and lighter colors is worn when the weather is warmer. In the 1900s, the societal rule allowed white clothing between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

NOTES TO READERS

To B.C., Yarmouth: A reader noted that she loves to add broccoli or thin slices of squash to her quiches as well as using oat milk to replace regular milk. Another idea is to use individual muffin tins for quicker baking time.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: How do grocery stores recycle plastic bags?