How I did it: I bought a ripstop nylon bag that folded up into the size of my fist that I carry everywhere with me. Even if I forget it, I just put what I can in my purse and carry the rest - I never accept a bag anymore. Telling the cashiers and baggers that I don't need any plastic bags is integrated into my system.

I am also less likely to buy food if it is covered in plastic wrap or in plastic containers. Fresh is best.

Lessons & tips: Buy a few ripstop collapseable nylon bags, or just any bags, and keep them everywhere, in your purse, in your car. Then you have no excuse if you forget. Even if you don't have one, you can cut down on what you buy and just carry it out. Soon you will lothe plastic bags and not want them at all.

Resources: You can spend money on a cute & colorful bag if you are more likely to use it, like at baggubags.com

There are also places that sell organic cotton bags for fruits and veggies so you don't have to use the thin plastic bags - though I just don't put them in a bag at all and wash them when I get home. Seriously, they're not going to get too dirty if you put them on top of your

Sep 21, 2008, 06:22PM PDT | 1 comment | 1 cheer