Want to Save the Earth? It’s All in the Reusable Bag

Each reusable grocery bag can eliminate 1,000 plastic bags over the course of its lifetime. Even better, consumers can purchase reusable grocery bags that benefit good causes. For example,

two organizations that benefit poverty-stricken families, Americans Helping Americans (www.helpingamericans.org) and Running Strong for American Indian Youth (www.indianyouth.org), recently started printing their logos on grocery bags containing 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.

So, why do so many people fail to carry reusable bags? Despite the planning that goes into creating shopping lists, it is mostly a store-time decision when deciding what they will use to carry their groceries.

For shoppers who want to get the most out of reusable bags, keep these tips in mind:

– Keep some extra bags spare. Purchase several bags. Keep some in your car and in a visible location in your home. Fold lightweight bags, and keep them in your purse or a large pocket.

– Designate bags for different purposes. Label separate bags for vegetables, meat and fish. You might also want to purchase one or two insulated bags for frozen or refrigerated foods. If cold foods sweat and dampen the bags, let them air-dry on a clothesline before storing them.

– Put your reusable bag on your list. When you write out your shopping list, make a note to remember your bag.

– Think beyond the grocery store. Keep one or two bags for non-food use, and take them with you when you go to the mall or convenience store.

– If you do forget a reusable bag, purchase a new one. Hopefully, if you purchase enough new bags, you will start remembering to take them to the store. Make your money count by purchasing bags from reputable charities like Americans Helping Americans and Running Strong for American Indian Youth. For more information, visit www.helpingamericans.org and www.indianyouth.org.