Utilizing reusable bags appeared to be the simplest thing I could do to help the environment. The campaign 'save the earth one plastic bag at a time" spoke to me so I got right on board. As a result, I have no less than 8 canvas bags and 2 large "hot/cold" bags that rarely seem to make it into the store with me.
Raise your hand if you are trying to stop using plastic bags at the grocery store. Now put your hand down if you have left them in your car and ended up using plastic anyway. That's what I thought; me too. Maybe not every time, but if I were to assign percentages to how often I remember to take my reusable bags into various stores, here is how it would break down:
I remember to bring my canvas bags into the store:
- 0% of the time – non-grocery stores (Target, Kohl’s, and Home Depot etc.)
- 15% of the time – regular grocery store (Kroger, Meijer etc.)
- 95% of the time- Trader Joes, Whole Foods
This is the first time I am really thinking about it in these terms. Isn't it interesting that the stores that carry the most natural, organic, eco-friendly and green merchandise are the places I almost always remember my reusable bags? Any psychologists out there care to comment?
No matter what the psychology behind it is, I am consciously working on improving my numbers. I have purchased a bag from Envirosax, that when folded is very compact, easily fits in my purse (4” x 1.5”) and holds up to 44 lbs. The cost of this one bag was $8.50 or you can purchase 5 that come in a handy pouch for around $37.95.
These compact reusable bags should solve the problem if I can remember to fold the bags after each use and put them back in my purse. The extra effort needed to be green may be your excuse to not participate, but below are some disturbing facts to keep us focused on our efforts.
Check back with me this week to see how I’m doing. Your support is greatly appreciated.
If you have a nifty trick that keeps you in the green, as always, please share it with me.
To get the facts on why to switch to reusable, check out the Green Routine: Rethink Your Shopping--Tote your own Bag.
