Post from the past: Tips for Remembering Your Reusable Bag

Originally posted in December

The number one thing that I hear from people who have just started using reusable bags is, "I don't always remember to take them with me."

Rest assured, grabbing your reusable bags as you head out the door will eventually become old habit; just like grabbing the grocery list, checkbook, coupons, and kids.

Until then, here are a few tips that I found helpful:

• Hang them on the door knob: After you unpack the bags combine them into one bag and hang that bag on the door you exit from. Next time you leave, grab the bags and put them in your car. If you have two cars, be sure to put bags in both.


• Place your bags in the front seat: Instead of putting your reusable bags in your trunk or in your back seat put them in a place where you will see them like your front seat or driver's door.
  
• Keep one in your purse: This is especially helpful for non grocery trips or spur of the moment stops where you are less likely to remember your bags. By keeping a folded bag in your purse, wallet, or diaper bag, you will always have one with you when you need it.
(Click here to read my review of a clip of bag by Chico)


• Write a note at the top of your grocery list: This was one of the ways my husband used to remind himself to take the bags with him. Now it is old habit to him too!
  
• Ask your kids to remind you: My kids love to “remind” me of things all the time and since they tend to have less on their minds then I do this method has proved helpful on more than one occasion. It is also a good way to increase their awareness about reusable bags.

Here are a few reasons why remebering to take and use your reusable bags are important:

1. According to ReusableBags.com, “the U.S. goes through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually.


2. An estimated 12 million barrels of oil is required to make that many plastic bags…


3. The average family accumulates 60 plastic bags in only four trips to the grocery store.”
4. Plastic bags do not biodegrade they photodegrade. This means that as they break down they are leaving toxic chemicals that are contaminating our soil and water. It is believed that this process can take as long as 1000 years.


5. Another bonus for using reusable bags is that stores have started reimbursing customers for using them, some up to 10 cents a bag! Before you know it, those bags will have paid for themselves.

Original story posted on Blissfully Domestic. com: Tips for Remembering Your Reusable Bag