Check out this 1-minute National Geographic video about the devastating impact of plastic bags and the increasing awareness of reusable bags as a smart alternative.

One of the easiest ‘green’ activities I’ve adopted is using reusable bags, instead of plastic bags.  A few years ago I bought three reusable bags from my local grocery store and have been using them ever since.  I added a fourth reusable bag last year when I got a promotional bag from a conference I attended.  Over the years I’ve come to appreciate many benefits of using reusable bags.

Benefits of Reusable Bags:

• Longer handles allow the bags to rest on your shoulders, better distributing the weight and freeing your hands.
• Fit more in a single bag and take less trips between the car and the kitchen.
• Keeps plastic bags out of landfills and the rest of our precious environment.
• Show your personality with reusable bags that have designs that reflect you.
• Use the bags for more than just groceries.
• Sturdiness of bags give peace of mind by securely holding even heavy items.
• Safer to have around children and pets.
• Have a spill?  Throw you bag in the wash.
• Some stores give discounts when you use reusable bags (i.e. 5 cents per reusable bag used)

For a long-time I forgot to bring my reusable bags with me when shopping or I might make an unexpected stop at a store while out.  I solved this issue by always keeping my reusable bags in my car.  Once I’ve put up all my groceries, I immediately put the now empty bags on my front door doorknob where I pick them up next time I go out. Continue Reading →