Bags for a Cause: Reusable Shopping Bags

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Reusable shopping bags are a great alternative to single-use paper and plastic bags.  Plastic bags are non-biodegradable and they contaminate the soil and water.  Each year hundreds of thousands of whales, dolphins, sea turtles and other marine animals die after eating discarded plastic bags they mistake for food.  Paper bags are equally damaging on the environment.  In fact, in 1999 14 million trees were cut to produce the ten billion paper grocery bags used by Americans that year alone.  However, it can be very difficult to remember to bring your reusable bags when going to the store.  Here are a few simple tips you can use on your next shopping visit:

1.)    Every time you come home from shopping, make it a habit to unload your groceries and immediately put your bags back in your car or hang them on your door knob.

2.)    If you make a grocery list before you go shopping, add “remember your bags” to the top of your list.

3.)    Purchase reusable bags that you will enjoy carrying.  Many places such as www.reusablebags.com offer numerous eco-friendly styles. 

4.)    Keep at least one bag in your purse. There are several ultra-compact styles available which make it easy to always have one with you.

5.)    Build up a good collection of reusable bags so you’ll have enough even if you are buying a lot of groceries. Also, having more bags allows you to keep some at home, some at work, and some in your car.