Why Use Cloth Grocery Bags?

As more and more cities and stores ban plastic bags, the use of reusable grocery bags has become a must. The question "paper or plastic" is becoming less prevalent, as savvy consumers adopt the use of their own reusable bags for transporting groceries and other everyday purchases.

The Dangers of Plastic

• Scientists estimate that it takes upwards of 500 years for a plastic bag to decompose, filling up landfills at an alarming pace. Plastic bags are also dangerous to animals and sea creatures who accidentally ingest them. Plastics bags have been found in the stomachs of endangered animals, often with fatal results. An additional environmental hazard is the tremendous amount of oil it takes to produce plastic bags.

The Problem with Paper

• Many companies still offer paper bags, but these are not much better than plastic. Like all paper products, paper bags are manufactured from trees, causing deforestation, decimation of wildlife habitat and energy consumption through manufacturing.

Options for Reusable Bags

• Reusable bags have surged in popularity and are widely available in a variety of styles. Free fabric tote bags are often available at checkout counters and as company retail giveaways, while dozens of companies manufacture an array of stylish options. There are plenty of green options made from organic cotton, bamboo and hemp. Taking eco-friendliness to the next level, several companies create bags from recycled materials -- including used plastic bags! Overall, reusable bags are sturdier and more versatile than plastic bags.

Tips for Keeping Bags Handy

• Make sure you always have a cloth bag handy by keeping one in your car and keeping one rolled up in the bottom of your purse. Remember to tell cashiers who automatically toss your one product into a plastic bag that you do not need it.

Cutting Edge Bag Brands

• Some companies selling innovative reusable bags include Blue Avocado, Blue Q, ECOBAGS and Envirosax.