August 28, 2008
Shopping a little greener—I’m gonna do it.
I’ve been seeing those reusable grocery bags for sale in Wal-Mart and other stores. I thought, “What a good idea… I hope it takes off… I’ll start using those once I see other people doing it.”
What am I, thirteen?!? I’ll do it as long as I’m not the only one? Geez.
So I’m going to get some. Do any of you have experience with these? If so, have you had any problems using them? Are they sturdy? Are they washable? (I’m thinking raw chicken juice, squished grapes, etc.) If I buy Wal-Mart ones, they have to tag them at the door when I come in every time, so I think I might buy some online, even though they cost a little more.
Any input is welcome here.
Comments(9)
we have them – from whole foods (large and colorful print) and king soopers (medium sized and black) (the kroger eqivalent in CO) Both have some waxy finish probably to help with cleanup. Also have one that is genuine cotton cloth and 100% washable from a bank as a gift for opening a CD account. We have had one for years from the local farmer’s market. Kroger type was 99c and I have used them as food baskets for gifts.
When we remember to get them out of the car they work the best, but many are required. You might try recycling your plastic bags first – the stores here give a 5c – 10c cedit for each bag brought in and used per grocery order. So far here it is an honor system…hey but we’re Boulder
“What am I, thirteen?!?”
I love it! I have to confess to feeling the same way about things. I have no experience bringing my own shopping bags. I feel like I should try, though, b/c our entire kitchen cabinet under the sink has been overtaken by them.
I have six from walmart that were a dollar a piece. If bagged correctly, I can take a full cart home in just those six bags. I love it, especially since they fit over my shoulders and leave my hands freer to guide my children into the house.
I don’t have to get them tagged at the door at our local walmart; if that is their policy, anyway, they’ve never enforced it with me. The bags come with a price tag that is rather difficult to remove by hand, and I think the store higher-ups may feel that is deterrent enough? Plus, I think the bags they sell now are blue whereas mine are black, so I’m okay there.
I’ve wondered about what to do if they get dirty inside, but so far it hasn’t been an issue for me. I have had a clerk once who went ahead and plastic-bagged my meat before putting it in the reusable bags, and that was alright with me.
Also good to remember, my local grocery store (Harps) gives a 5 cent “coupon” per reusable bag I bring in. They will pay for themselves in this way (eventually), and then of course there’s the overall environmental benefit.
As far as sturdiness goes, they have proven far stronger than I imagined they would be. I’m pretty sure I’ve carried at least 30 pounds or more per bag with no ripping or other troubles.
One more thing, ANY bag brought from home works; it could be a freebie canvas bag handed out at a convention or one of the undoubtedly many plastic bags you already have in your possession. You don’t necessarily have to buy bags meant solely for groceries if you already have some that would work. Apart from being made from recycled material, there’s nothing magical about these bags.
I love my reusable bags. They’re perfect for our trips to the farmer’s market and I like that they fit over my shoulder so my hands are free for other things. Also, they hold a lot more than the plastic bags.
I’ve discovered I have to keep a couple in the car because I never know if I’ll need to stop on the way home from work. Frees up my limited kitchen space and I always have one when I need it.
Kroger gives you 3 cents off your total for each bag before sales tax is added in. I’m buying them one at a time as we make a shopping trip. Pretty easy to carry, unless the bagger overloads them. I’m a little amused by them, not only because I tend to use the plastic bags around the house and will have to start buying boxes of plastic bags when Kroger & Wal-Mart phase out bags altogether, but because Florida in the late 1980’s and New Jersey in the early 90’s gave cents off if you brought your own bags! I also take my Arkansas made white oak basket to the store occasionally when I know I only need a few things, and pack it myself, as the baggers have no idea what to do with it. (sigh)
We’ve used them for almost a year now and I remember them about 75% of the time, with Chloe’s help. I don’t ever get mine tagged at Wal-Mart, didn’t know I was supposed to and noone has ever said anything. I only have 4 and have never needed more than that, they hold quite a lot and I usually leave milk out of the bag…saves room (we are usually buying 2 gallons). At kroger they give you a 5 cent credit for each bag used…every littel bit helps!
Huh, well I guess people do use them… just no one I ever see! Thanks for all the input.
what in the world is all this talk about?! blue bags? wha????
We use them when we can remember. They are very strong, big bags. They also are good for general purpose carry whatever bags :).