Reusable Shopping Bags
Why use Reusable Shopping Bags?
To put it simply, we are destroying this planet by continuing to use disposable plastic and paper bags. Plastic bags require oil to produce, pollute our air in their production, and pollute our land and oceans in their "disposal." Despite the fact that they are recyclable, less than 5% of plastic bags are recycled. Most are thrown away in the garbage, making their way to landfills where they take over 1,000 years to decompose, releasing toxic chemicals into our soil and groundwater during the process. Others end up as litter in our towns and oceans. Plastic bags kill over 100,000 animals every year in our oceans and thousands upon thousands of trees are killed annually to supply us with paper bags that have a useful life of about 20 minutes.
The Benefits of Reusable Bags
Beyond saving our land, water, and air from pollution, saving thousands of animals' lives, helping to reduce the world-wide consumption of oil, and reducing the amount of litter floating around the world, using reusable bags has some practical benefits as well.
First, reusable bags are more durable than disposable bags, meaning you can use them for a variety of purposes for a number of years. They're perfect for trips to the beach or trips to the store.
Second, reusable bags can typically carry more than disposable bags and are easier to carry, often holding as much as three regular plastic bags (or up to 40 lbs.). They can be comfortably carried over your shoulder instead of in your hands. A load of groceries that you used to struggle to carry in 9 plastic bags can easily be carried in 3 reusable shopping bags.
Third, many grocers and retailers are beginning to offer discounts to customers that bring their own bags. Some cities are working towards banning plastic bags outright and may begin charging customers for plastic bags. Reusable bags can be found at affordable prices, and will pay for themselves in the form of discounts on goods purchased.
Finally, reusable shopping bags add a bit of individuality to shopping. Instead of walking out of the store with the same bag as everyone else, you now have the ability to express yourself with your shopping bag. A variety of colors, prints, and patterns can be found in the reusable bag market.
Product Reviews
Below we've included an excerpt from a review of a reusable shopping bag sold at ReusableBagsDepot.com.
Reusable Bag with Heart Print
This is a fantastic reusable shopping bag that will be very functional for any buyer. The heart print is nice looking and is subtle enough to not draw a ton of attention. The red background is vibrant and overall the bag is very attractive. The lightweight, rip-stop material will not rip… (click here for the rest of the review)