Thursday, March 12, 2009

Reusable Shopping Bags


I have been using the Olive Smart Ultra-Compact Full Sack reusable shopping bags since last fall and have been very pleased. Not only do these six bags fit into their own tiny bag that fits right in the glove compartment, but my grocer also gives 5 cents off my grocery bill each time I use one of my own bags and not theirs. Getting paid by the supermarket for not using their paper or plastic - what a novel idea! By the way, if your grocer does not ring up this discount, bring it to their attention. Just like scanning coupons at the end, they tend to forget. If your market does not offer such a discount, let them know of the going rate in your area or you may consider shopping elsewhere.

This set will accommodate a full cartload of groceries. On rare occasions that I need to use the grocer's bags, I leave the store with a half-full paper bag. Not bad! The bags are the same size and sturdiness as paper bags (but are easier to carry) and are easily laundered (I simply toss mine in with the towels whenever they look dingy).

I purchased my set from ReusableBags.com. They carry an enormous variety of reusable items - not just bags. I think we all have grown slightly accustomed to seeing plastic bags floating through the air or snagged on cacti (or green things if you live elsewhere!). Plastic bags do shred into smaller pieces but never fully decompose. Paper bags do, so they are the better step up, but have limited reusability, especially when the family cat claims it as soon as I get home! Cloth bags are even better. I chose these bags over the ones sold in the supermarket based on sturdiness (yes, that bag is only $1 but I can tell it won't be lasting long) and convenience (reusable bags are pointless if you forget to bring them with you to the store).

3 comments:

  1. Hey it's working for me now! Anyway, great idea. I need to start doing this-- although, we only go to Walmart twice a month, so it's always a big haul.

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  2. Vicki,
    I found your blog via your comment on my Blissfully Domestic post about cleaning your makeup brushes.
    I'm so glad I did! I'm always excited to learn more ways to have a natural home, so I'm looking forward to your posts coming into my Google reader!
    I have the audio version of Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and I'm really enjoying it.

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  3. Ok your lil irish hats look so yummy!

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