I've been making a real effort lately to use reusable totes when I go shopping. We always had a giant bag stuffed full of plastic shopping bags hanging around our kitchen, and it was a source of constant annoyance for me. Sure, we used them to tie up stinky diapers and to line small trash cans, but still, it seemed that I was constantly picking them up or moving them around. Plus, I didn't want to spend money to get the reusable bags when the plastic ones were free.Now, have three big bags that I received for free, I remember to take them (nearly) every time I go shopping, and the stash of plastic bags I have to store at home is nearly gone.
My super-secret trick to making sure that I use them? Store them in the trunk of my car. I know, it's brilliant, right? ::smacking self on forehead:: LOL!! I'm not sure why it took me so long to think of that, but, hey, at least it's working for me now.
If you're considering making the switch, there are plenty of free totes for the asking. Here are a couple I found with a quick Google search:
- Kroger shoppers, create a design for a free reusable shopping bag on their website and you'll get a coupon for a free reusable bag to pick up in your local store.
- Fill out the survey to become a member of the Rice Select Flavor Club, and you'll receive a free tote and a coupon.
- Green4Better will send you a bag in the color of your choice just for asking. (Note: when I clicked on this one it sent me to a second page with a coupon offer. I clicked away from the coupon page... hopefully the bag will still come!)
- If you can sew or knit, here are 35 free patterns to make your own bags.
- Or, maybe you can sew some cool placemat totes like my friend Sarah recently made.
Actually remembering to use my reusable totes instead of plastic bags... that definitely works for me! Check out more great WFMW tips HERE.
I would love to try this out, thank you for the links!
ReplyDeleteI have been using my free re-usable totes as well, although I still put my meat in a plastic bag. I also need plastic bags to dispose of used cat litter. You wanted to know that right LOL. I will begin making and selling my totes if anyone would like to buy them :) Shameless promotion I know.
ReplyDeleteSarah
Thanks for the ideas for getting more bags! I keep mine in the trunk, too - but you know, I have often gone into the store and then realized I left them in the trunk ... duh!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting me! Enjoyed my visit with you :)
I buy reusable grocery bags as vacation souvenirs! :)
ReplyDeleteCan I tell you how many times I've gotten halfway through shopping only to realize I left my bags outside in the car? I've been thinking about taking a picture of them to tape to my dashboard as a reminder, LOL!
ReplyDeleteHi. I was just surfing around some blogs, and I came across yours. It’s pretty nifty and I’m really enjoying my stay here. I’ve bookmarked your site for daily visits, and I hope you’ll visit me. I’d love to have you. :) Have a great day and I’ll see you around the blogosphere. :)
ReplyDeleteWe have some of those reusable totes, all of which we've gotten for free, but never use them for groceries. We always seem to find a use for the disposable bags--for trash, for weeds from the garden, for lining the bin of the paper shredder, and so on--and it works out better than paying for trash bags.
ReplyDeleteWe also store paper-in-plastic bags in the trunk of the car, and we use them for trips to Costco.
Great idea! I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten my reusable totes. I especially love it when the stores give me a 5c bag credit for each reusable tote I use! :)
ReplyDelete