Use my own reusable bags when shopping

I can’t stand the clutter of plastic and paper shopping bags, and it irked me when supermarket staff would use a separate bag for every 2 items. So I googled reusable bags and my new favorite site is http://www.reusablebags.com/ I purchased bags for my business deliveries, cutting costs in my store and I purchased some for my day to day personal use to the market, laundry, etc. It’s inexpensive, it’s a great way to help the environment, and they can be quite fashionable. I suggest everyone bring their own bags wherever they go. My favorite is the small bags that folds up in itself, it’s the size of a deck of cards. I keep it in my purse all the time so If I ever find myself in a store I tell them to hold the bag because I have one.

I’m needing to develop the habit of taking the bags in. I usually forget until I’m checking out, and then I’m too lazy to go get them. But maybe with it on my list I’ll be reminded.

We got these reusable bags at Costco and Whole Foods, they are very sturdy and I’ve been using them for all sort of things.

This was worth it!

It’s not brain surgery, I know, but I’ve kept forgetting the bags, even when I have them in the car, in full sight. So today I took my wallet out of my purse and put it in a tote bag full of other tote bags. I didn’t take a plastic bag all day!

FINALLY!! I crocheted a medium size bag in rusty red yarn. I already have it in the car so that I’ll use it next time I go shopping.

I have my backpack with me most of the time so my groceries all go in there. And I have some nice cotton produce bags from http://reusablebags.com for loose vegetables, stuff from the bulk section, etc.

My garbage cans are shopping-bag sized, so I occasionally steal some plastic bags from the plastic-bag-recycle basket at the store to use as liners (I am so not going to buy new plastic bags).

I do my grocery shopping at Whole Foods, and the last time I was there I purchased four of their reusable green bags. I used them to carry my groceries home that day. It feels good knowing you’re doing one less thing that negatively impacts the environment. Plus, they give you a (very small) discount for bringing in your own bags.

The other day I went shopping at Ikea…and got another of their blue big bags for 59 cents to use instead of the plastic ones. They are charging for the plastic bags…GOOD FOR THEM! This is my second blue IKEA bag, they are great to have in the trunk to carry all the groceries. Anyway, glad they are “green”.

Suggestions anyone? Usually what happens is I remember while in line to pay. Argh. The bags are in my car all the time. I actually remember to use them maybe 10 % of the time.