Reusable grocery bags- what's important to you?

Question

What is more important to you in a reusable grocery bag, style, price, convenience (size), or eco-friendliness? Would you be willing to pay more for a bag that is cotton and made in the USA or something that is made of polypropeylene (basically plastic) and made in China? What about bulk? Nylon is more compact but not great for the environment, where cotton bags are better for the environment but a bit bulkier?

What about style would you want a more stylish bag at a higher price or a plain bag that's cheaper?

Yes, I am thinking of making and selling reusable grocery bags and just want to know what people find the most important factor.

If you use reusable grocery bags and there are other factors that you consider, please let me know.

Answer 1

I'v found some (with the store logo on them) for 99 cents at most stores.

I could careless about the size or what its made out of, as long as I don't have to use plastic I'm happy

Answer 2

Major grocery stores sell reusable bags at the check out desk. I don't see to many people using them.

Answer 3

I use local products. Not just British, but those manufactured in my area most. Next I use Fair Trade products, particularly if they are the only organic option available.

I use only Hessian and organic cotton bags. I have six large Hessian shopping bags for food shopping only, I take them to farmers markets etc. The smaller organic cotton ones I use because I can fold them up small and put them in my coat pocket or bag whenever I go out. If I need to buy anything I always have a bag with me. I like to use willow baskets too for delicate items.

I dislike logos or anything printed on the bag. I don't want to buy expensive items, but I want to pay a fair price. I like locally produced and manufactured items best, then chose Fair Trade. Natural colours and textures suit me best. When choosing Grocery bags I also look for very strong double stitched handles.

If you are planning to sell eco friendly bags, you can also offer them for sale in places such as health food stores and organic clothing stores.

If you are planning on selling to the UK do lots of market research, many of my friends have reusable Hessian Bags from Tesco at only £1 each.

Answer 4

I mostly go for size but style is also a major factor for me since I love fashion. I love chic looking reusable grocery bags when shopping. You can see my favorites here at this link.

Answer 5

I have a reusable grocery bag made from organic jute which i think is perfect!  Natural material, long lasting and looks good too

Answer 6

I LOVE the idea of using cotton reuseable bags for grocery shopping but, I'd need a bunch of them like 20 bags or more.. I shop for my family and we buy quite a bit at the grocery store.. So, if we are getting frozen food we have to take the cooler.. Since we don't have a minivan or SUV it can take up a lot of space....

I have a really nice polyvinyl bag very sturdy and it's a HOT/COLD bag !  It's big and it has nice canvas handles.. It's also great for picnics/potlucks and transporting food to and from the grocerystore...

We also have a discount grocerystore and they sell their own brand of bags.. They are plastic but, heavy duty with handles and they cost 15 cents so we reuse them when we go there.. They also have a cart deposit which is 25 cents to keep the paking lot free of carts and so that carts don't damage cars.. When you return the cart you get your money back...

We also either re-use or recycle the regular plastic bags from most stores.. We either pack our recyclables in them use them as bathroom trash liners and also in the diaperbag to dispose of diapers while on the go... We will also take them back to the store to reuse....

If I were going to buy more earth friendly bags... Size matters... It would have to be a large tote style with sturdy handles... If it folded smaller for storage that would be nice to but, not a deal breaker.. Style doesn't really matter...

Thanks

Answer 7

Brown paper bags the square cut handleless kind are not good for groceries and only for people with cars as you can only carry two plus if these bags get wet its bye bye shopping these are great  for other shopping.

I'm not so much interested in prettiness but I don't want one that looks tatty after a month. I have paid a little more for seasonally decorated bags but I think these should be offered alongside cheaper basic ones. I tend to use the nylon ones for grocery shopping as the hold their shape better and can be rinsed off quickly after spillages,  and either my own bag (The one I use for work) or a cotton one for grab and go shopping .

I think  local stores  small independant corner stores and 8 'til late/ 7-11 type stores should stock eco bags perhaps you  could include a viabilty study of this in further research

Answer 8

Brown paper carriers is the answer

All the convenience of plastic carriers  but totally recyclable and sustainable .

OK we may have to find some way of them not dumping the groceries on the floor when wet but that should e no great problem

As with so much these days big industries,greedy bosses and corrupt government figures  block progress on these issues

Answer 9

My ideal shopping bag would be plain cotton, or what about hemp?  Currently, I use these bags that I bought when Albertson's did the shop and scan thing.  I paid $2.50 for each one and they are made out of some kind of vinyl, plastic, or nylon material.  They are made in China, I bought them at the time because I had been looking for reusable bags, and they were there.  They are very sturdy, and can hold two to three times more than a regular plastic shopping bag.  I have run them through the wash several times, and they come out good as new.  I tried searching for a picture, but could not find one.

Now that every one is getting into reusable shopping bags, I have been collecting them I have a Toys-R-Us, Half-price, books that are made of a very light weight canvas material.  I have not really put these to the test yet, so I am not sure how sturdy they are going to be, but they only cost 99 cents.

Answer 10

I think making them in the country of sale would mean a lot if I was buying them. Also, a nice design/art.

You can get a really great bag in Australia... it folds up and has a zip (to keep it folded when not in use), so effictivly it is small and compact enough to carry with you in your bag at all times.

Answer 11

I shove it in my backpack.  I use to carry spare paper bags