At the grocery store checkout, one of the most frequently requested questions is, “Paper or plastic?”
You probably have good reasons for responding in any way you do. Perhaps you’ll reuse that plastic bag for household chores, or maybe you’ll recycle that paper bag. Perhaps you feel that the paper or plastic solution you’ve settled on is the greener one. While you may have the best of intentions when deciding between paper and plastic bags, there is a better solution available in the form of a reusable grocery bag.
An increasing trend in many parts of the country is for shoppers to bring their own reusable bags to the store.Foldable reusable shopping bags may be more expensive initially, but they save money in the long run by reducing plastic bag waste and minimizing other negative environmental impacts.
Here we’ve compiled a few of the many reasons why you should bring your own shopping bags to the store. Keep reading to find out why.
Prevent Garbage Pile-Ups
It’s terrible news when disposable plastic bags wind up in landfills since they won’t break down over time. Disposable plastic bags degrade over time, releasing toxic chemicals that could eventually make their way into groundwater. It’s unfortunate that many disposable plastic bags wind up in dumps anyway. The current recycling rate for plastic bags is roughly 12%, meaning that 88% of all plastic bags produced become garbage or are thrown away. Reusable bags reduce the demand for single-use plastic bags, which in turn reduces waste sent to landfills.
Strength and reliability
Reusable bags are stronger and may hold more than the thin plastic bags given out by stores. You can safely fill that cotton or hard plastic bag to the brim without fear of it bursting. That means you can carry more in one go and make fewer runs to and from your car.
They are strong enough to resist tearing and ripping. No more slopped bags, wasted trips, or double-bagged food.
In addition, you can put them to use for a variety of tasks due to their dependability. I take mine everywhere: to the store, the beach, and even to the mall to use as a handbag. These lightweight and versatile bags can be used for countless purposes.
The Ease of Maintenance
Many people choose reusable grocery shopping bags since they are better for the environment and can be cleaned easily. These bags may be washed and reused, unlike regular packs that may require a few good scrubs to get clean. Simply wipe the bag down to remove any dirt or stains, and then refold it before storing it away.
There are many advantages to using foldable tote bags, both for customers and for companies. The time has come to make the switch to a greener option.
Tips for Carrying Groceries in Reusable Bags
- Discover a variety of useful bags. Some reusable bags are thicker and more suited for groceries like canned items, while others are more lightweight and better suited for fresh foods like produce and meats.
- Tuck your luggage away in the trunk. Most people who own reusable bags simply forget to carry them with them when they go shopping. They’ll be easier to remember to bring in if they’re sitting in the car next to you as you drive in.
- Totes should be washed frequently. It’s important to get into the practice of washing your reusable bags once per week or two to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Do not waste perfectly good bags. Books, beach gear, picnic lunches, and other everyday items all fit perfectly into reusable shopping bags.
Invest in good quality large reusable shopping bags for long-term use!
