Why Carry Reusable Shopping Bags?

By Larry West, About.com Guide   July 21, 2011
Rather than continuing to collect another batch of paper or plastic bags every time you go shopping, consider switching to reusable bags made of canvas, hemp or some other sturdy, washable fabric.

Finding good reusable shopping bags is easy--countless online sites now sell them, and many stores offer their own versions. You may not even have to buy any new bags. Many people already own reusable bags, but just aren't thinking of them in those terms.

When I first decided to start carrying reusable bags in my car, so I would always have some handy if I needed to stop at a store, I realized I had several bags I had received as promotions or that once held corporate swag. If you find you don't have any good bags on hand, you can easily find several low-cost options that will serve you well.

So why bother with reusable bags?

Reusable bags help to preserve precious natural resources--petroleum and trees, for example--as well as previously recycled material, allowing them to be put to better uses than creating containers you use to carry home breakfast cereal, vegetables and underwear. Shunning paper and plastic bags also reduces litter, saves landfill space, and makes the world a little safer for marine life.

If you do have to use paper or plastic bags now and then, be sure to recycle. Paper bags can be recycled almost anywhere, including in most curbside recycling programs if you're lucky enough to have one in your community. Plastic bags usually have to be returned to the store or taken to a local recycling center.
