Remembering Your Reusable Shopping Bags

Reusable shopping bags were introduced in the early 1990s to cut down on the use of single-use plastic bags that are harmful to the environment. The harm plastic bags have on our environment is heavily documented and by now well-known. Plastics sit for thousands of years in landfills and oceans, are ingested by birds and marine life, use billions of barrels of crude oil, and ultimately, never fully break down. Although it takes more resources to produce one reusable bag than one plastic bag, the idea is that the reusable one will be used frequently enough to negate its initial negative environmental impact.

To combat plastic’s detrimental effects, consumers all over the world are consciously making the switch. Reusable bags are made from a few different materials, and come in various shapes, sizes, and colors to suit a person’s lifestyle and personality. Materials like cotton, polyester, and polypropylene are commonly used in the production of bags that can be carried to and from the store dozens of times. Other natural materials used to make bags are hemp, calico (a cotton fabric that is unbleached and not fully processed), and jute.

Bags made from natural fibers are biodegradable, durable, and—unless they’re made of cotton—relatively cheap to produce. Still, canvas shopping bags need to be used 171 times to have the same “global warming intensity” as a single-use bag made from polyethylene, the main ingredient in plastic. This means they need to be used over 171 times to make up for single-use bags. To truly make a positive environmental impact through the use of these bags, it is of the utmost importance to remember to take them with you.

The #1 excuse for not using reusable shopping bags is simply that they are forgotten. Even if the bags are placed in the car, eco-conscious people forget to take them out of the car on the way to the store and end up walking out with paper or plastic bags. This defeats the purpose! Here are some tips to remembering earth-friendly bags:

1.     The easiest way to build a good habit is to force yourself to repeat its motions. Keeping bags in the car is a good idea (just remember to wash them on occasion, the heat builds bacteria), but they need to be used to carry things. If you’re ever about to check-out without your bags, force yourself to run back to your car to grab them before the cashier bags your items in plastic or paper bags.

2.     Fold them up so that they fit in your purse! Some reusable bags are really flexible and made of thin materials that easily fit into the smallest spaces, such as a purse or a pocket. Keeping one in the bag you use every day is a great way to always have a bag on hand, especially for unexpected purchases.

3.     Write yourself a note. Whether on a bulletin board next to the front door, or on your windshield, place a small reminder to carry the bags with you when you do the shopping.

4.     Hook the bag on a key chain or belt loop. Some bags roll up into their own mini-bag and come with a clasp so it can hook onto your belt loops or keys. When a bag is with your keys, it’s pretty hard to leave behind.

5.     Use your reusable bag as your go-to bag. When you get a functional canvas shopping bag with compartments for storing your phone and accessories, it’s easy to quickly make it your go-to going-out bag. Instead of carrying an extra purse, just carry the canvas tote! You will definitely try not to lose what carries your wallet, car keys, and cell phone.