Life In Plastic, Not Fantastic

I love the idea of making yourself buy more reusable bags if you forget to bring yours in with you. That's one way to get in the habit, and fast. :)

Amy
Crunchy Domestic Goddess ( http://crunchydomesticgoddess.com )
BlogHers Act contributing editor ( http://www.blogher.com/special-events/bloghers-act )

This is such an easy thing to do and makes such a huge difference. Before we started doing this a few years ago, we had literally a closet full of bags. Sure, we took them back to the grocery store to be recycled, but I just can't stomach using all that oil to make bags that are cheap, rip if you load them too heavily, and cause so much environmental mayhem!

Anyhow, here are some bags I like:
* www.ecobags.com ( http://www.ecobags.com ) - 100% cotton, fair trade, and light enough to use for produce bags (even in the fridge!)
* www.bags4you.com ( http://www.bags4you.com ) - these are cotton mesh bags that expand more than you'd think possible and are durable enough for cans, bags of flour and other heavy stuff
* www.JBPouches.com ( http://www.JBPouches.com ) - These handles totes are awesome for groceries, clothing, picnics, a substitute diaper bag, or really anything! These are made of plastic, though...but it's a lot cheaper option than some of the others on the market.

Great post!
:) Julie

That's how long I have had my canvas grocery bags! I started out with four of them that I purchased, believe it or not, at a Navy Commissary store. Then, a few years ago I bought a few more at Whole Foods Market. These new ones have two short handles for carrying by hand and one long handle which is really nice for throwing over your shoulder.

I keep them in my car (I'm sorry, I have to drive!), and after such a long time, I always remember to bring them with me. I do get some crazy looks if I go to a new store where people don't know me as the "crazy bag lady." But mostly, the baggers now know me. I can get an overflowing cart, nearly $200 worth of groceries from the commissary in my six bags. The secret is fill 'em up and make 'em heavy. And the added bonus is that it only takes one or two trips in from the car with the groceries.

I also have a mesh-like bag for fragile fruit. There is nothing worse than spending $200 at the grocery store and having squashed fruit.

I feel very proud that I have been doing this for the environment. And a few weeks ago my daughter, age four, was staying with my parents while I was on a business trip, and they went to the grocery store. My mom said that on the way in the store, she asked, "Pap pap, where are your bags?"

PowerYogaGirl
Virginia Beach, VA

I forget my bags too. I went shopping and forgot my bags today. The reason I forget is because there is an alternative at the store. I think there should be NO OPTION to use any other bags. I am pretty sure that people will start remembering to bring their own bags. I know that this is an extreme opinion but I don't think it is too much to ask of people.
30 Minute Mommy

I have the unique situation of living in NYC, where I walk back and forth to the store and buy things as I need them. I understand that it is a bit more challenging if you're loading up the car for a week. I have simple canvas tote bags and I try to keep one or two folded in my purse at all times. And I use plastic grocery bags for trash, so even if I do forget my canvas bags, I just get a few plastic bags to use for the garbage. My system has worked out well for me, as all plastic bags I get are reused and I haven't really gotten more than I need.

It's tough to change habits, but I think its worth the effort to keep trying until you figure out what works best for you.

Raquel
speakeasygirls.blogspot.com

Thanks for the ideas!

I remember my Mom used to save the plastic bags that bread came in and reuse them several times. The paper grocery bags were also the trash bags (be careful with the coffee grounds if the bag is close to empty!) and glass jars from mayonnaise and spaghetti sauce were our containers for leftovers. She was the original recycler.

I live in Texas, where the canvas bags are $10 each at least. Thanks, Alyssa, for the other options.

Carol Marie Ramsey
Finding balance and peace in parenting at http://GracefulParenting.net

In Europe they have the same policy. And I did the same thing too - for about 5 or 6 trips I forgot to bring bags and then one day it just clicked. Not only do they not provide bags (unless you pay) but you bag your newly bought stuff yourself too. It makes you think about the amount of things you buy. I like it.

A related issue is garbage/recycling. When you have a 30 liter garbage can to last you 2 weeks you think more and more about this sort of thing.

Ofcourse, you could always sew your own bags! ( http://www.blogher.com/sew-your-own-green-grocery-... ) I wrote a whole post about sewing your own fabric grocery bags back in September. My favorite is the U-handbag ( http://u-handbag.typepad.com/uhandblog/2007/04/one... )because she tells you how to make your own little "pocket" to fold the bag into for carrying in your purse or pocket.

Debra
A Stitch In Time ( http://astitchintime.blogspot.com )
Deb's Daily Distractions ( http://debsdistractions.blogspot.com )

But way cuter. No fair.

Sassymonkey ( http://sassymonkey.ca/ ) and Sassymonkey Reads ( http://sassymonkeyreads.wordpress.com/ ).

Okay, here are some bags for folks who don't have cars to drive around in. (Who, by the way, automatically trump those of us who drive our reusable bags around in cars.)

The Reisenthal Maxi Shopper ( http://www.reusablebags.com/store/reisenthel-mini-... ) is stylish, tiny, folds into it's own pouch, clips to a bag or umbrella or dog leash, and holds a whopping 26 pounds of commercially purchased goodness.

The Acme Workhorse Bag ( http://www.reusablebags.com/store/acme-bags%E2%84%... ) is similar, no clip, no fancy floral fabrics, tear proof fabric. Rock solid, pure function, less fashion.

Because you know quantity matters as much as quality, you can buy 6 Reusable Baggu Shopping Totes ( http://www.amazon.com/Baggu-Reusable-Shopping-Tote... ) and carry them all around in one, or stash one in your purse, your glove box your coat pocket in their own little pouch.

I started this by trying to find the CUTEST reusable silk shopping totes ever, that I saw on a gift guide on the Today Show in December. But I couldn't find those anywhere. But here's a good list that will get you started.

___________
Alyssa Royse
JUST CAUSE
make some good news!
www.JustCauseIt.com ( http://www.JustCauseIt.com )

I have that silly song stuck in my head now. ;-p

On a more on-topic note - I found a nylon bag that has a little pouch that has a clip on it. I usually keep it in my purse since I also don't have a car, but you could probably clip a couple to the stroller. I've seen then around a couple of places. They are a bit more expensive than canvas bags if you buy them but very handy!

Sassymonkey ( http://sassymonkey.ca/ ) and Sassymonkey Reads ( http://sassymonkeyreads.wordpress.com/ ).

Here's what i did. I'm lucky, living in Seattle, where not only did stores like PCC stop even offering plastic bags, but they also sell the cloth bags at cost, 73 cents each. (As does Fred Myer, which is a big mainstream chain.) In any event, here's what I did. I promised myself that if i forgot my bags, I would buy new ones, no matter what. It took about 3 weeks for the annoyance of buying new bags to kick in and remind to ALWAYS leave them by the front door so that they make it into the car. And in those 3 weeks, i acquired enough for ANY trip to Target, or huge stock-up shop. In fact, there are enough in both cars for any event. All told, i probably spent about $25 on bags, but that's a drop in the bucket compared to the environmental cost of manufacturing plastic bags, (even the biodegradable ones), much less having them sit in landfills.

Just don't cave, and I assure you, you'll feel it and change your patterns until it becomes a habit.
___________
Alyssa Royse
JUST CAUSE
make some good news!
www.JustCauseIt.com ( http://www.JustCauseIt.com )

But I don't know.
We switched to plastic to save the trees.
Then came the big box stores.....
How do I make sure I have enough reusable bags for my $200 worth of groceries?
All the bags would take up the space in the grocery cart!
It was different pre minivan and pre suburbia when we did small daily or every other day shopping...like my mom did.

When you could walk easily to the stores.

How are the al lthe Wal Mart fans going to deal?

I just wish the stores provided the biodegradable plastic bags..which ARE available but cost more..just charge people for them.

Look for me at http://crunchycarpets.com or check out the ladies at www.wetcoastwomen.com ( http://www.wetcoastwomen.com )