Not all reusable shopping bags are created the same. The best reusable shopping bags will last for years and have features that make them easier to use. Find which reusable shopping bags are really the best.
Reusable bags were once an odd thing to see but now you will find them everywhere. This is a wonderful shift that is here to stay. With so many options now it can be hard to know which is the best reusable shopping bag.
Are Reusable Bags Worth It?
Before we even decide which reusable bags are the best it’s important to ask are reusable bags worth it? Sometimes “sustainable products” aren’t even that sustainable.
The short answer is yes, reusable bags are worth it. This is why…
We use 14,000,000,000 plastic bags in the US every year. Only about one percent of those bags are recycled. The bags that aren’t recycled end up in landfills, littering our towns and the ocean.
Plastic bags can’t just go in normal recycling which makes them harder to recycle. Plastic recycling also comes with its own set of problems.
Plastic pollution has become a large problem because plastic never biodegrades. It just breaks down into smaller more toxic pieces. The toxic chemicals in these bags are ending up in everything, even our bloodstreams.
Which reusable bags are best for the environment?
The best reusable bag for the environment is the one you already have. You can use totes and other bags you already have on hand as reusable shopping bags. This avoids the need to make a new reusable bag which does have an environmental impact. It’s also the cheapest option.
When you do need to buy a new reusable shopping bag keep in mind that not all reusable bags are created equally. They can be made of all kinds of materials, they can be of different quality, and they can be made in different places.
Choosing a reusable bag made of a recycled or biodegradable material is often best. There are bags made from recycled plastic, cotton, hemp, and all kinds of other materials. Buying a bag made locally is also a good choice when it comes to sustainability.
The Best Reusable Shopping Bags
If you are looking for the best reusable shopping bags you can buy online these are some of our favorites.
Flip & Tumble Bag
This bag is made of recycled materials and is also a very high quality bag that will last. It's also great to carry with you because it folds into a small ball.
Baggu Reusable Bags
This is another option that is made with recycled materials. It folds into a small pouch you can easily fit in a purse, pocket, or glove compartment.
Baggu Big Reusable Bags
Sometimes you need a really big bag for shopping. These are great for light groceries or other shopping. They are also made with recycled materials and fit into a pouch that is great for carrying.
Organic Cotton Mart Bags
These bags are made using organic cotton. It makes them easy to wash and they are sized like a traditional paper grocery bag.
WasteNotWants
These beautiful mesh bags are very light weight, easy to wash, and will hold a lot of groceries without being bulky.
BlueDragonCraft
These fun bags are made using upcycled rice and feed sacks. You will not only be avoiding creating new waste but also reusing bags that otherwise would have been trash.
Stephanie says
In the past few months, we've started using our own bags when we do our weekly grocery shopping – and the weirdest thing happened! It took about three or four weeks to train myself (maybe as many as six), and then after that if I forgot them, I felt like I'd shown up in some way inappropriately attired. It was like finding myself at the opera wearing jeans, or at the beach, but with only dressy clothes to wear. I never anticipated how quickly I'd feel the "inappropriate" nature of using up resources just to get my own stuff home to my own house!
Jeanne says
Lisa,
You picked a great video to help draw people's attention to the plastic bag pollution problem.
We've been using reusable bags for our groceries for about 2-3 years now. It's amazing how much plastic can be consumed for grocery shopping alone.
I think what you're doing with this site is great!
Jeanne