The Earth Is In The Bag

Every year, Americans put millions of pounds of used plastic grocery bags in the ground to rot for 10-20 years. For several years I have used eco-friendly, reusable canvas bags when I head to the checkout. Most supermarkets and even discount stores like Walmart and Target offer bags for about $1 each, embossed with their logos.

These bags are very durable and will actually hold much more than traditional paper or plastic handled bags. I keep my collection of bags in the trunk of the car and grab them as I rush in to shop. Not only do the bags make carrying your goods home a breeze, but I throw them over my shoulder in the store and fill them up instead of pushing a cart as I weave up and down the aisles.

Even though the bags may have a nominal cost initially, some grocers offer a "bring your own bag discount" each time you shop. Over the life of the bag, it will more than pay for itself and even knock off a few cents on your order each time, saving you money and Mother Earth too!