Acme reusable grocery bag, $5.95 That feeling of moral superiority, priceless.
Une femme's green intentions are good. Last year, we bought several of those large reusable grocery bags sold at markets ($1 each, conveniently displayed right next to the checkout line) to carry our goodies home. But then they remained behind in the closet where they were stashed after we put our groceries away, or in the trunk of my car where, intentions aside, I invariably forgot them until I was at the register with my cartful of food halfway rung up.
Before our Paris trip I ordered a couple of these Acme bags online, as we'd planned to do some shopping at outdoor markets. I didn't use them much in Paris, but since I've been home have found them indispensable. They weigh nothing, fold up neatly into a self-pocket, a size that's easily accommodated in my purse where they are always available. When they ask "paper or plastic?" you can chirpily reply, "neither, I have my own" and do a small part for the environment.
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I love these foldable bags, but find that when the handles are oriented with the big sides of the bag, one can carry it without having stuff bulge against one's leg AND one can sling it over one's shoulder...I leave a bag in each purse I have (except evening purses, of course!!!)
ReplyDeleteoh, and they wash too.
I too am using fabric carrier bags, mine are called Envirosax, see www.envirosax.com and come in as many colors and patterns as you can imagine. One for every mood!
ReplyDeleteI visited the Hermes site to see the one that they are selling, it is lovely but too much $$$.
I popped them into gift bags last Christmas for all my girlfriends.
I have several of a similar product as well and find them so useful -- our favourite local grocery store has done away with plastic bags (and was going to start charging for paper, but backed away from the uproar that caused) which is finally pushing folks to start bringing their own.
ReplyDeleteI even have one that hooks onto the inside of my shoulder bag. Usually I leave one in my bicycle bags - nobody will steal them, unless they steal the bicycle of course.
ReplyDeleteWe have to pay now for bags at almost all chain supermarkets and at the SAQ (wine and spirits monopoly), so that has really increased the use of reuseable bags.
SAQ sells cotton bags with compartments for bottles of wine: these are also useful for separating delicate items such as fruit, and for carrying around shoes or slippers (which we need to do in wintertime).
My favourite shopper bag is a navy blue one with long handles from the local Goethe Institut, with "Greenhouse Effect" written in German and smaller in French and English. It is more designed for books from their library, but very handy for small shopping as well.
DP:
ReplyDeleteMonoprix, 1 euro apiece.
Pick up a handful next time you're in France.
Here you go, this is what I have:
ReplyDeletehttp://dalyna.wordpress.com/2009/02/17/ecologie-sac-cagee/
Comes in its own little sac, too.
Incredible idea. I am always leaving my reusable bags in the house after I have used them . This size and portability makes it much easier to use. Thanks, Deja!
ReplyDeleteI find it's just a matter of re-learing a very old habit. In Ontario (Canada) you're charged a nickel a bag if you want one from the store. I think it should be at least 50 cents, they last forever in a landfill.
ReplyDeleteI have one by Stelton, it is large enough to hold my croc. bag, in case it starts raining. I always ask the saleswoman not to pack my purchases with so much paper and refuse to receive the plastic bag. Great post, Pseu1
ReplyDeleteIt's brilliant. Love tiny, useful things to stuff into my bag to mingle with all the big useless stuff.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll check out Monoprix.
BTW, I would think they would make great little cadeaux, non?
I like how they are small enough to fit in your purse. That's the whole problem. Remembering to keep one handy when you walk into a store. These are great.
ReplyDeleteAnyone know what the monoprix bags look like? Maybe I'll ask my son to pick one up for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm always forgetting my bags and refusing the grocery bags. So I leave the store clutching all my stuff. The check out people told me I look like a shoplifter.
I too love the envirosax. I always have one in my purse for quick purchases. I am giving them as gifts this year.
ReplyDeleteLove reusable bags - my only problems is remembering to put them BACK into my handbag again after unpacking the groceries for the next time! Yours is particularly smart I think! x
ReplyDeleteHaving read Duchesse´s comment about the fee of the bags in the grocery stores ( we have to pay 20c), I just can´t understand that when you buy something else, no matter how little the article costs, the salespeople try to stuff you with 1 or 2 and a huge amount of other packing material. Makes no sense to me.
ReplyDeleteThose are some of the nicest re-usables I've seen.
ReplyDeleteI forget mine, too! Shhhhhh.
Mmm. I totally agree with the necessity of portability in the bag itself. Next time you're in Paris, pick up a dozen in all colors from the nearest Monoprix, for 80c each. Sorry, but I know you'll be there again :-).
ReplyDelete