Shopping bags but shopping for family of 4.?

Question

Hey! I really want to do what I can for the environment but when I grocery shop I'm shopping for a family of 4. Any ideas on what I can do to eliminate so many plastic bags? I don't mean to sound stupid or anything but it's just as bad on the planet to make 4-5 trips to the store to buy little at a time.

Answer 1

use cloth bags. besides helping the environment the handles make carting it in to the house easier.

Answer 2

Another thing that is a great idea ( and they have them here in Canada at some stores ) ...

Plastic shopping baskets that you bring to the store from home to carry your purchase home in.  Like the wicker basket of yester-year, but with a modern twist.  

The reusable shopping bags are great too ... but I find them a bit more fussy to pack than the baskets.

Answer 3

You can reuse your bags.  I double them so they last longer.  I also feel that I get more uses out of paper than plastic.  You could also gradually add cloth sacks until you have enough.

Answer 4

If you have a cosco near you, get a six pack of reusable bags. They are really cheap there, but hold up really well. I use mine alot, and none of the handles have broken. Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Oh there are so many things you can do.

1) Reuse the plastic bags you have.  

2) Ask for paper where available.  Reuse those bags as well.

3) Buy or make cloth bags.  This is the best option.  They are durable, reusable, washable, and environmentally friendly.  Most stores sell them for $1 a bag (not too bad if you buy a new one each time you shop).  You can also make your own.  There is a free pattern on http://www.morsbags.com  I made mine out of old bed sheets and clothing.

For every cloth bag used you elminate the use of aproximately 80 plastic bags a year.  The average family uses over 600 plastic bags a year.  Cloth is so much better!

*hugs*

Jess