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I Just Started Using Them For Reals

I've had canvas bags hanging around for longer than I've lived in San Francisco - almost a year. I even kept a couple in my Corolla before I got rid of it, but every time I'd go to Trader Joe's I'd get up to the check stand and feel like slapping myself in the face - of course I'd left my totes back in the trunk of my car for yet another shopping trip.

When I started walking to the grocery store, I put the bags in a really visible place in my kitchen. I'd forget at first, but eventually was able to make it into a habit since I couldn't avoid looking at the bags every time I went for ice cream or a pickle or whatever.

Anybody have good mnemonics for those who still can't seem to remember the damn things? Maybe put a dollar in a jar each time you forget? Wear a rubber band around your wrist on days you're going shopping?

-Toshio...off to put a dollar in the swear jar...
Posted by: tmeronek on 06/21/2007
related tip
How 'bout neither. We use shopping bags for a few hours, but they can take lifetimes to decompose. New foldable nylon versions make it easy to BYOB wherever you go-whether it's clothes shopping, grocery shopping, or a drugstore impulse buy.
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app  on June 21, 2007 at 03:40 AM 1
There is actually a supermarket near me that is dirt cheap for food, great produce section...and they don't supply bags. You HAVE to bring your own. You will feel mighty bad when you have to buy a box of trash bags when you forget to bring your own. You might forget a few times, but you'll get into the habit of bringing your own pretty quick. I am sure this supermarket isn't unique. Avoiding the major chains, you might actually find one like this.
Kristin  on June 21, 2007 at 05:31 AM 2
I have been using canvas bags for over 10 years. Once you get used to it, the funny looks at Target, etc. won't bother you, and if you forget your bag, it almost feels like cheating. Also, my local coop accepts used bag donations to be reused. HyVee gives a 10 cent credit per bag. My only struggle is to convince the checkout person that everything including meat or soap can go into canvas and that yes it is washable. I keep 30+ canvas bags in the car so I always have one for trips to any store. I love canvas bags!!!!
amber  on June 21, 2007 at 05:47 AM 3
We bought the ones at our local chain grocery store, and it's really a wonderful feeling to walk out with a cart full of canvas bags -- and i am guilty of shooting condescending looks to those people using plastic bags! Sorry! :) Also, I have a great idea for those of you with spare plastic bags: Cut a bag into one long 1-inch strip, then knit yourself a shopping tote with the bag like you would with yarn!
Joyce McKeeman  on June 21, 2007 at 06:11 AM 4
For those of us in the Northeast (I'm in Vermont) the Shaw's supermarket chain offers polypropelene woven bags that open up "square" like a paper bag for 10/$10.00! I have a bunch for each car since my problem is getting them back to the car after unpackin them in the house. They hold tons and I always have to remind the packers to "fill 'em up" since they have the annoying habit of putting 3 or 4 items in a bag. Your Biter bag is chic but $20???? That seems like a lot to those of us in budget land.
Kassy  on June 21, 2007 at 06:15 AM 5
I'm pretty good about tossing mine in the car and making sure they are in the front seat while driving to the store. I was lucky enough to get one that folds up into my purse so I always have at least one, just in case. I didn't buy it myself so can't attest for the site, but the bag is great and from www.greenbag.info (per the bag). The ones I've bought are from www.reusablebags.com and I've been very pleased with their service--my bags are made from recycled cotton that would have been thrown away by clothing manufacturers and they have lots of other fiber options too. Last year for Christmas, I gave one or two bags to everyone in my and my husband's immediate family (much to my husband's embarrassment) and I've been surprised by how well they all embraced them even though they would have never personally bought them...so buy extra and gift them!
Meera  on June 21, 2007 at 06:30 AM 6
I recently ordered my canvas bags through Oprah and I love them! I was bagging my own groceries at Target last week, feeling truly proud of myself and not only was I getting weird looks from the cashier, but also from the people in line behind me.( like, I was the crazy one!)Honestly, I think everyone should be able to stock up on reusable bags as it's a one time purchase.
K-9  on June 21, 2007 at 06:48 AM 7
I have been using two large L.L. Bean Boat 'n' Tote heavy canvas bags (the classic off-white with a red, green or blue bottom and strap handles) for years. Cashiers like them because they stand upright and are easy to fill. I like them because there are fewer trips from the car to the kitchen. They fill up the cart a bit so I buy less, too.I put them in my trunk after I unload groceries, so they are on hand for next time.
Kevin Wright  on June 21, 2007 at 07:03 AM 8
It seems like most of the commenters here are wise, but not everyone sees the usefulness of taking a reusable bag everywhere (Container Store and others sell ones that fold to the size of a cellphone) they shop. The grocery store, Target, drug store, liquor store, even to the restaurant to carry your leftovers! I love educating the check stand girls and bag boys, they ususally seem thankful to learn about re-using bags, it is just hard to quell my "holier than thou" attitude.
Jenna  on June 21, 2007 at 07:05 AM 9
One thing that the tip did say at the end was "if you have to use plastic, tie them in a knot before tossing them." I think that if you are caught without your bags and absolutely must use a plastic one, try taking it back to the store after you're done. I know that most grocery stores around here (Atlanta Area) offer recycling for the plastic bags...MUCH better than putting the knot on it and tossing it.
Kevin Wright  on June 21, 2007 at 07:08 AM 10
Oh, I almost forgot! If you don't have your canvas bags and need to use paper/plastic ones from the store, re-use them on your next trip. Trader Joe's has great paper bags that can be re-used many times before they are recycled, so do some other stores. Plastic bags are great to just throw in your pocket when going on a walk because you can comfortably pick up some litter on the way and ditch it in a nearby garbage or recycling bin.
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