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Alternatives to Paper or Plastic Grocery Bags

Although plastic and paper bags are cheap and easy to produce, they are often discarded without being recycled and can wreak havoc on the environment. Because plastic bags are not biodegradable, they build up in landfills, contaminate soil and waterways, and can cause illness in animals when digested. According to the Earth Resource Foundation, plastic bag production uses petroleum and gas, which are non-renewable resources. The toxic ingredients in plastic bags also contribute to air and water pollution. To cut down on plastic bags, use reusable bags such as beach bags, baskets and tote bags when grocery shopping.

  1. Beach Bags

    • This lightweight, reusable bag is appropriate for grocery shopping as it is easy to clean in case of spills, and durable for long treks to and from the store. Beach bags can be bought at most stores with a seasonal section or can be obtained at thrift stores. If you buy a beach bag from a retailer, make sure the bag is made out of eco-friendly materials. Beach bags are ideal for a small to medium amount of groceries and won't tear as easily as plastic bags. Over time, the handles can wear down and may rip from the bag. To avoid this, do not overload the bag or, if it does get overloaded, put it in a shopping cart.

    Baskets

    • Baskets are a heavier alternative than beach bags but are sturdier because they are usually made from natural wood or aluminum. As of September 2009, Reusablebags.com offers six baskets suitable for grocery shopping and even includes a small basket for kids to use. The basket materials are mostly aluminum frames with a polyester covering, easy to clean and keep items cool. Baskets by Reisenthel include a zip pocket to hold your cell phone and other items and are tear-proof. According to Reusablebags.com, the baskets can replace cardboard boxes and can be easily assembled.

    Tote Bags

    • Tote bags are ideal if you are going to the grocery store for a few items. These bags range in size from 15 inches by 15 inches to 22 inches by 17 inches. Tote bags are collapsible and are often made out of nylon, an environmentally-friendly material that can be washed and is tear-proof. Bucket Bags from Hempmania also are eco-friendly as they are 100 percent hemp, which is stronger than cotton and completely organic. Because of the material, you won't need to clean your bag as often as you would with other bags. According to Reusablebags.com, hemp is resistant to degradation from mold, sunlight, chemicals and bacteria. The strong material also retains its original shape, which is important because multiple uses can cause other bags to stretch and lose sustainability.

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