Reusable Bags

using reusable bags are good for the environment!

my husband cracks up at how obsessive i can be about different things. and one of the things that i have taken to heart is my reusable bags collection. i have quite a few cloth, oil cloth, nylon and even canvas bags.  every time i shop at the container store i check out their latest cool bags.  i love that there are so many fun and colorful designs to choose from! most bags are self contained and collapse to a pretty small size that makes it easy to store them in your purse. since their size is so minimal, i always have about 2-3 bags on hand so i’m prepared for any shopping trip.  so i thought it might be nice to review a few of the different types of bags and choices in the stores.  i’m even providing a easy no sew alternative to make your own. i will post how to make this easy t-shirt bag later in the week. so hopefully, this will inspire you to buy and use these wonderful plastic bag alternatives.  i have quite a collection of them kicking around our house and car, so i’m usually able to remember them when shopping. 

here are the various types available.  the purple one that is to the left is obviously from whole foods. the next one to the right is rume and here is the link to purchase one on amazon:   rume bag and the next one is from the company run run run.  here is the link on amazon:  run run run bag

i like this oil cloth one for groceries and of course it is really cute. i’m sure you are acquainted with these bags. i always get compliments on this one for the design, sorry whole foods no longer carries this one.  my family will haul all kinds of things in these, so it ends up not only for groceries but also for picnics, soccer games, sleepovers etc! the only issue i have with this bag type is that it doesn’t fold down to a manageable size that will fit in your purse.  so instead, i have them hanging in the garage right near the door, so i just grab them on my way out to the grocery store. you’ll have to find what works best for you so that you remember to take them on your trip to the store.

this is by far my favorite of the bunch.  it is roomy and hangs nicely on your shoulders!  i’ve hauled a ton of groceries in this one and it is strong enough to carry them.  also, it washes well and holds it’s shape.  we took three of these to france and they came in quite handy.  almost every time i use these bags in the stores, everyone loves them and asks where i bought them. if you don’t want to buy them on amazon the container store carries them too! oh yeah, these bags are self contained and fold up pretty easily and tie up with an attached velcro. so, these do well hauling groceries or anything else you can think of!

this bag’s material is a little thicker of the bunch so of course it is heavier and bulkier.  it looks rather nice and feels more like a handbag.  the only issue is that it takes up quite a bit of space in your purse. otherwise it is fashionable and it can carry a ton of heavy things! this one folds up and then snap with the leather flap, it is a little tricky folding this bag. otherwise when folded it looks like a wallet.

here is the one from whole foods.  it is nice and light and scrunches down to a little bag that is located inside the bag.  so it is totally self contained.  my only complaint about it is that it rides high and has a difficult time staying on your shoulder.  also, it doesn’t hold as much as the others.  but still this a nice alternative.  my friend elisabeth loves her whole foods bags, so obviously it is a personal favorite among people!  oh yeah, you obviously have to be ok with the wrinkled look.  :o)

and finally, this is one i made from my sons old t-shirt.  i love the softness of the fabric and how easy it was to make. i made this without sewing which makes it doubly awesome!  it does appear that it wouldn’t hold too many heavy things in it. but it is pretty cool that you can make it and use whatever cute t-shirt you have lying around your closets!

here is my daughter modeling two of our reusable bags on our recent shopping trip.  our kiddos are great helpers when it comes to hauling these bags around. thanks so much for stopping by and please subscribe if you wish to have my latest updates emailed to you!