Don’t Forget Your Reusable Bags
It’s so easy to forget bringing reusable bags whenever going shopping. It’s happen to me one too many times that I have taken steps to make sure to always have one available when going shopping.
Keep Extra in the Car
The best way for me to always have a reusable bag handy when I need it is to keep some extra in the car. Just put them in the glove box or in the back seats of your car and it will save you from having to use plastic bags. This method doesn’t always work since once you use the bags, they end up in the house. Be sure to always keep at least a few extra bags in the car.
Portable Bags
There are some reusable bags available that can easily fold up and fit in your pocket. These are perfect since they are so easy to carry, especially when you are walking or riding a bike to the store. Just as with the car, you can keep a few of these in your jacket pocket during the winter so they are always available.
Leave Them At The Door
It’s really convenient to leave bags at the door where you leave the house. Coat hangers are a great place to hang you bags and easy visible before leaving the house.
When All Else Fails…
There’s no need to panic if you do end up forgetting your reusable bags at home. The first option is to ask for no bag at all if you can carry your items without a bag. Otherwise, ask for paper instead of plastic and if reusable bags are available for sale and you will use them again, go ahead and buy some. Also, try to fit as much stuff in the bags you do use as possible. I always find that some grocery stores only fill bags partially and use way more bags that necessary.
Please share any methods that you have that make it easy to remember to take our reusable bags.
Is it such a bad idea to use plastic bags if we intend to reuse them as garbage bags? It seems that if we always use reusable shopping bags, we will end up having to purchase garbage bags. It doesn’t seem to make sense to purchase something that creates more waste.
I usually end up buying new reusable bags if I forget mine. I use them for so many different things, I never have enough of them.
I mostly forget reusable bags.. I keep extras with me but only one.. often buy them.. though leaving them at the door is good idea.. why didn’t I think of that!
I used to have Bagnesia (reusable bag amnesia) all the time too. Then I found a solution from http://www.bagnesia.com They have a handy reminder kit with items that help you remember your bags and it comes with it’s own compact reusable bag that I love- it’s become my favorite because I can easily keep it with me all the time!
I shop at Aldis, where you can reuse the same bags over and over. I use paper only, as I’m walking out with 8-10 bags. I feel good knowing I’ve been using the same bags for over 12 months now!
Good advice I often get to the supermarket and I have forgotten them.
I have noticed that our local grocery store now uses biodegradable plastic bags. I am surprised that more companies have not followed suit. I guess they are all hesitant to risk spending an extra couple cents per bag.
Biodegradable bags are great, and I can see their purpose. People like to reuse grocery bags as small trash can bags. I’m not sure why more grocery stores haven’t started to support reusable bags just in terms of that it could save them money. Less bags, more profits. I would say besides reusable bags, having biodegradable bags are probably the next best thing. Thanks for bringing this up, I had no idea stores were starting to carry them.
Thats okay… soon enough I think we won’t have to worry about plastic bags, if I am not mistaken… I remember a consultant on going green told us at the university (where I study) that in a few years Plastic Bags will be banned. Is it true?
Till then,
Jean
There are bans on plastic bags in several cities across America, but haven’t really made it past the local level. I have not heard anything about a state or federal wide ban, but it’s possible that we could see something like that in the next few years.
It’s good idea of reusable bags. I don’t try it till now but i’ll buy reusable bag. It’s very helpful.
Some stores such as Trader Joes give incentives for bringing your own bag. I know that the one near me does a weekly drawing where you can enter if you bring your own bag. I think other stores may offer discounts.
I know that some stores charge you if you want a bag; I think Ikea does this. It sounds bad, but if you are charged for not bringing your own more people would bring their own. Just a thought.