So this probably is not directly about saving money and more about the environment, but I suppose when you stop to think about it, you could be saving some money...
The tip would be to use canvas bags to do your grocery/retail shopping. They are sturdy and won't rip through when you are walking with 15 pounds of chocolate in your bag during a recent impulse buy. You do get a discount on your groceries when you use canvas bags. (5 cents per bag is probably not exciting to most people though.) I would reckon though that if everyone used their own bags, then groceries could theoretically become cheaper too. According to reusablebags.com, the US uses 380 billion bags/wraps a year which ends up costing retailers 4 billion dollars a year.
But Matt, don't canvas bags have an environmental impact too? Well, yes that is a very astute observation, Matt. Well done! But the Sierra Club suggests that you just have to use that reusable bag 11 times to make the environmental impact less then disposable (paper or plastic). Which really makes the whole paper vs. plastic conversation worthless.
Where to get all of these canvas bags?
1. Trade shows. There are always tons of them and free!!!
2. www.themissionwear.com This is a fantastic organization just down the street from me that employs women with a history of drug abuse/jail time/prostitution and helps them learn a skill and work. Super cool!
3. I already made mention of reusablebags.com
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We found them on sale at King Soopers for $.99 per bag.
OH... and they hold WAY more than plastic bags, which makes them far more convenient too! What would have taken 10 plastic bags only requires like 3 of the canvas ones. :-)
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