Canvas bags to fetch my groceries?

Question

In 2008, I plan to become more enviornmentally conscious. I already recycle, but I want to really reduce my use of plastics. I want to do this by purchasing canvas bags to carry my groceries home. Are there certain ones that work better than others? I buy a lot of fresh produce, so I'll need something that can clean up easily in the wash but is also sturdy. Any links and pix you can send me are much appreciated!

Happy New Year!

:-D

btw- I'm not picky as far as color or design. As long as it functions well, I'm good.

Answer 1

We used to have several 'canvas' bags, but they are actually fairly heavy and don't work as well as the new 'green woven bags' you should be able to buy or receive with purchase ANYWHERE.  I'm also making the 'switch' to these 'green bags' and will buy at least 10 more over the next two months (we do one LARGE shopping and one 'small' shopping for groceries per month) ... and I already have two ... one 'extra large' that we got free from a used bookstore, and a 'smaller' one we got from a hardware store.  The fold to a reasonable size and are easy to carry (I don't carry even a 'purse' most of the time any more, because I have 'really good pockets' on my coat in the winter).  I'd check out these 'green bags' ... they actually stay much 'cleaner' than canvas and don't show stains or 'ground dirt' and the stuff inside can 'breathe better' if that is necessary (for freshly baked goods, especially) ... try at the grocery store ... the 'expensive' grocery we shop at has them on sale for less than a dollar apiece now, and that is 'extra good' since the 'cost' going in to making this important 'switch' is usually more like $5-15 per bag ...

Answer 2

Shelby,

you are a very good person.  Me on the other hand?  I will use the plastic ones the store provides; however, I always end up recycling them (so I am not totally a bad person - LOL).

Have a Happy and Safe New Year my friend!

Gerry :)

Answer 3

I just bought some bags at Walmart on Kansas Expwy. for a dollar! they are cloth and very light. I'm sure they are washable.

Answer 4

I would recommend browsing the selection of bags at reusablebags.com  They have a wide variety of bags at a range of prices.  You can search their products by size (large/compact), durability (heavy duty), type (produce), and by other classifications as well.  They offer bags which stand upright (a convenient feature for groceries), as well as bags which fold up compactly.  There are plenty of options to meet nearly anyone's preferences.  I have been pleased with the service as well as the products I purchased from this eco-friendly site.  Also, many of the bags indicate that they were produced following fair wage/labor guidelines, which is important to me as well.  Hope this info is helpful!

Answer 5

I've used them for years, you will be amazed at the amount of plastic you no longer collect!  My word of advise is be aware of the size of the bag, bigger is not better!  The store will really load them up because they know they will not break, sometimes they are too heavey to lift in and out of the car. I use canvas bags that I printed on.  The sturdier the bag the less flop the grocery store clerk has to deal with.  But one of my favorite bags is a mesh bag with a draw sting closure that I bought at Wal Mart (if you dare shop there), I found it while looking for a laundry bag. Always return the bags to your car so you have them when you shop, and remember to bring them in the store with you.  You can use them in any store, not just for groceries!  Thanks for making the step forward!

Answer 6

Any sturdy canvas bag will do. I've been using "souvenir" totes to haul my groceries. I figured if the bag can hold school books and all kinds of pointy stuff it will work fine for grocery shopping. There are several store chains that encourage byob, like Kroger who actually PAYS you 4 cents for each bag stuffed, some save-a-lots and of course ALDI. I bought some of their plastic bags several years ago and have been re-using them until they started to fall apart. The store is also very helpful by leaving out their card board boxes for customers to tote stuff. You can re-use those until they fall apart and then just recycle them.

You will find a lot of chain stores, food and non-food alike, are offering re-usable tote bags for a buck or too, I just got another one at Home Depot, with long handles so you can carry the bag over the shoulder and a nice locking brace so you don't lose your stuff if the bag tips over in the car.

It's really that simple.

Answer 7

The ones at Stop & Shop are pretty good. I don't know if there's any Stop & Shops by were you live though.

Answer 8

We shop at Aldi, and use their reusable plastic bags.  They last for several trips.  They have handles, too.  They could be used at any store.  They charge for them, but it's like a quarter.

Answer 9

Look at where they are made. China? Oh, just great.

Answer 10

Also, Publix and Wal-mart now have Green-Bags.  Publix bags are more sturdy, and cost 1.49 each.  Walmart has them for 1.00, but don't come with a sturdy plastic base that publix bags do.

Answer 11

If you know somebody who visits more or less regularly industrial fares or expositions you could ask him to bring you some in. They are free.

I live with this cotton-bags since years.

Answer 12

Hi, I have just done this too, I was given one from wearewhatwedo.org which holds allot, doesn't slip off your shoulder, is hand washable, it looks nice too.

I also picked one up from Tesco which is strong, held about two plastic bag fulls of shopping and you get extra points for using it, bonus.

Answer 13

I have been using canvas bags for years.  

Any large cotton or cotton blend canvas bag will do for most anything.  They may take a stain or two over the years but will wash just fine.  A note, though:  make sure the strap handles are sturdy.

My first was bought new from the local organic / natural grocery back in '92 (it's still in service!).  The others were discovered at local thrift and second hand stores. You will find that they are often some company's gratuity item and so will have those logos printed on a side...

Buying from the thrift stores is another form of recycling!!

Answer 14

I use the green bags at Public's and they were only $1.49 each and they are very strong. I just fill one with oranges and it held filled to the top, not a stitch noved.

Answer 15

We bought ours through the Jane Goodall Institute.  They are hemp with a minimum of 20, so I split the order with a friend.  If you just want a few, Costco gave me one for free and it has held up well. I don't know if they sell them or not, but you could ask.   A word of advice... don't leave them in your trunk.  You will forget them continually.  Put them up front with you so you remember to take them in.  We started using these months ago and I would get halfway through the store and remember the bags where in the car.

Answer 16

I have a few bags that might work.  They are sturdy with wide straps and should carry all that you would want to.  If you'd like them, you can have them.  Just give me a shout.  I live in

Russellville.

Answer 17

LL Bean has a nice line of canvas tote bags that are sturdy and can be thrown in the washing machine.  They have an assortment of sizes, too.

Answer 18

Mine are from my local grocery but have a mesh (not an open, loose one - tighter) so that they breath a bit which I like.  It also makes them lighter and easier to clean in the wash.

Answer 19

Grocery Bags

Last modified: January 20, 2005

Paper or Plastic? Neither! Reuse!

The energy and other environmental impacts embodied in a plastic grocery bag is somewhat less than in a paper grocery bag. But paper is accepted in most recycling programs while the recycling rate for plastic bags is very low.

So, which is better for the environment? Neither! The fact is that the difference between paper and plastic RECYCLING is small compared with the REUSING bags.

Carry reusable cloth bags (see first reference below).

Reuse paper and plastic bags several trips.

Learn to say "no, thanks" when you don't need a bag.

Keep a cardboard box or two in your car's trunk and load it directly from your shopping cart.

Answer 20

Hi , go to ChicoBag.com and order these great bags. They are made of nylon and will fold up and fit in your purse so you will always have them with you. I read about the man who invented them in Entrepreneur Magazine. he wanted a bag that was ecco friendly and easy to carry. The colors are great and you will enjoy using them - only $5.00 each

Answer 21

I know that Whole Foods has great reusable bags that are superlightweight (not that any of them are really particularly heavy) and they expect to hold groceries in them.  You can put fresh produce in them just fine and just fold them up and bring a couple in your purse or keep them in the car for shopping.  Many other stores also now offer them and you also get a discount (of like 5 cents, but still it's money!) at many places for using your own bags instead of using theirs, which saves everybody money and waste!

Kudos to you for this!  Cloth napkins are also a great switch!  I switched to cloth napkins a year or so ago and never would turn back!  There's something "classy" feeling about using cloth napkins, no waste, and you can just throw them in with a load of laundry as they take up practically no space!

Answer 22

Chico Bags

Answer 23

Hey Shelby,

Check out this cool website to find out how to make your own bags: http://www.morsbags.com/.

cheers!

Answer 24

I have two wonderful suggestions for you!

The first one would be to purchase your canvas bag at Fox and Obel. If you are not familiar with Fox and Obel, just google it. They have the best canvas bag I have ever seen! It is very large and very durable. It also has side pockets that are great for bottles. The pockets are big enough to fit wine bottles. That is by far the best canvas bag I have ever seen, and this is coming from someone who HATES plastic bags. The bag is made from thick material and is tan.

The other suggestion is for the more economical person. Dominik's has really inexpensive reusable bags. Last time I checked, they were $0.99. Please keep in mind however, that you do get what you pay for. I used the bag several times to go shopping and it held up nice. I often had heavy items in it, including juices, but I did once use it to carry my high-heels and skirt, and I found a small hole in the bag which I plan to sew. I think my heels punchured the bag.

Answer 25

I just reuse paper bags over and over again.  They last for years.

Answer 26

Oprah just did a show on this not too long ago. You should check out her website, it may have some suggestions.

Answer 27

I bought canvas bags at Wal-Mart a 1.00 each......10 of them!! I keep them in the trunk of my car, so I have them whenever I shop if they get dirty wash them hang them up to dry, and they are ready for the next use...and I feel that every little thing you can do, or change in your home or lifestyle helps!!

Let's all go green!!! Every little bit Helps Mother Earth!!

Answer 28

they probably have some at michaels craft store, u know the ones that u can paint on and stuff

they would probably work really well

Answer 29

I got mind at the Food Lion for a buck. Lasted a long time.

Answer 30

good for youu.(; my school we collected plastic bags and tied them togther and every kid in my school stood around the track and we all where holding the tied tghther bags and the news took pictures nad did an article in the newspaper.thats very nice of you.