Posted in Going Green

Go Green w/o the Bags

There is much controversy about those plastic shopping bags.  Some say they can easily be recycled so what's the big deal.  Others believe that plastic shopping bags should be banned.  Still others ride the middle of the fence.  I am a fence rider. 

If I went to the store tomorrow and there were no plastic bags, I certainly wouldn't cry.  Those bags hold almost nothing, so you end up with tons of bags.  Our family re-uses these bags.  I haven't bought a small garbage bag in many years.  I simply save the plastic shopping bags and use them instead.  Why buy more plastic (or waste the money) when I already have them on hand?  I also use them for art projects.  When we have littleton friends visit for art, they make a great smock...one size fits all.  So, I kind of like having access to those little plastic bags.  Once we have a tissue box filled with bags, I ask for paper bags if it is winter.  Why?  Because I use the bags as kindling.  Twist 'em up and light.  Fast and easy.  I also use paper bags for art projects. 

There are times when we are not in need of either type of bag and we use all types of cloth sacks and totes to carry our purchases.  This brings me to an observation.  People are quick to say you should use fabric/canvas totes for grocery shopping, yet what about other shopping excursions?  Why isn't there more chatter about using these totes whenever you shop for anything?

Kris Price found a most excellent blog regarding green living; Down to Earth.  There is a little post about one of those neat little totes that zips up into a rectangle so you can carry it in your purse or handbag all the time; thus, there when you need it.  Check out the post here. 

Some canvas/fabric totes are inexpensive, some are not.  However, you can get fabric totes for FREE by using up old pieces of fabric.  Your bags do not need to match or even be pretty to carry your purchases.  If you have bunches of fabric laying around consider sewing your own totes.  They are easy and quick to make.  This past Christmas season, Sew Mama Sew posted lionks each day to sewing tutorials for all types of nifty items.  This link has tutorials for making totes.  The first tutorial, posted by Lisa, shows you how to make a fabric tote, for groceries, with a little pouch that allows you to fold the bag up and keep one in your purse!  It is simply fabulous! 

Consider your bagging options and needs as you are out and about.  Are you purchasing plastic garbage bags?  Could you re-use shopping bags and eliminate the purchase of more plastic bags?  Can you use the shopping bags for other items and activities?  Do you have a collection of totes hanging around that could be use for shopping?  Do you have at least one tote you can keep in your car for those unexpected shopping trips?  Could you use up some old fabric by making a few totes for shopping?  Whatever your situation, there is a way to be more green about your bag situation.  Think about it.  Pray on it.  Act.

These are my thoughts. 

Leslie Valeska

~Contributing Writer~

Read more articles regarding simple, frugal, and green living at Home of Simplicity.  Want to find a way to organize your stuff without having to consume more product? Check out this article to get you started!