ByEarth911

Jul 30, 2015
Reusable Lulu shopping bag

From reusable grocery bags to durable tote bags and organic cotton string sacks, there are plenty of options on the market today that will allow you to cart home your groceries — without the guilty conscience.

Here is a look at some of the best — and most affordable — alternatives to disposable single-use plastic bags that are out there today:

  1. Canvas Tote Bags. These bags are a smart alternative to plastic bags that have been around for many years. Very sturdy and perfect for heavy items, you can find them in materials ranging from environmentally friendly 100% hemp to organic cotton. Many popular stores — such as Target, Albertsons, and Whole Foods — sell tote bags for a low price, giving you no excuse to not purchase a few for all your shopping needs!
  1. Organic Cotton String Bags. Another great option is organic string bags. These are great for fruits and vegetables, as well as boxed items such as crackers. Most string bags hold up to 40 pounds of groceries, making them ideal for shopping in bulk. Similarly, reusable produce bags are a wonderful option that will keep you from having to use those pesky, wasteful bags available at the store.
  1. Reusable Synthetic Bags. These bags come in many different shapes and forms. Some are so compact that they can be clipped to your keychain or folded up into a pouch and stored in your glove box. Lightweight but strong and durable, you won’t ever go back to using disposable plastic bags again once you jump on the reusable bag train!
  1. Messenger-style Bags. With a shoulder strap to make it easier to carry, messenger-style bags are ideal for the environmentalist who likes to walk or bike to get their groceries. They come in a wide range of styles from simple canvas totes to insulated bags for food you need to keep cool to this awesome messenger bag for lighter loads.

Feature image courtesy of m01229. This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links we get a small commission that helps fund our Recycling Directory.

By Earth911

We’re serious about helping our readers, consumers and businesses alike, reduce their waste footprint every day, providing quality information and discovering new ways of being even more sustainable.