Reusable Shopping and Produce Bags

Last year, it took an estimated 12 million barrels of oil to make the 88 billion plastic bags consumed in the US ($80/barrel x 12 million = $960,000,000 sent to foreigners for oil). After learning this, I committed that we would start taking reusable shopping bags to the store (see 11 Ways to Save in 2010). Since its Earth Day tomorrow, it seems like a good time to share what we’ve found to replace the throwaway plastic bags:

Shopping Bags

I found some nice reusable shopping bags at Envrirosax. They describe them as follows:

Envirosax® designer reusable bags are spreading the eco-friendly message with style! Chic, inexpensive and compact, Envirosax® eco-friendly shopping bags carry the message of re-use to a world ready to embrace a brighter ecological future.

 • Tested for strength & safety

 • Super strong, holds 44lbs

 • Fully washable – won’t fade

 • Super convenient & water-resistant

 • Fashionable & fun – a great gift idea!

 • Solution to one-use plastic bags

We got the bundle of five that fit into a neat little pouch, and have found them to be strong, sturdy, and small enough to drop in a purse so you don’t forget to bring them into the store. Each bag is 19 ½ x 16 ½ inches, and the package of five (with pouch) cost $37.95 plus shipping.

Produce Bags

I also found an alternative to plastic produce bags at 3B Bags. They make lightweight, mesh produce bags that can be machine washed and reused. They’re nearly weightless so you’re not paying for bag weight and see-through so produce stickers can be read. They come in packages of three bags, one 14 ½ x 18 ½ inches (good for things like bananas or potatoes), and two 11 x 14 inches (good for things like grapes or tomatoes). Each package of three is $7.50 plus shipping, and they have deals on larger quantities.

As always, when I bought my bags I found a coupon savings code at RetailMeNot to save a little on the costs. Happy Earth Day!

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