My Reusable Bag Payday

By: Christopher Forestieri

I have been bringing my own bags to the store for the last few years. It’s paid off in many ways. First of all, I no longer have mounds of plastic bags piling up in cabinets and drawers around the apartment.

Also, with the extra durability the canvas bags provide, I am able to carry all of my groceries home from the store in just a few bags without the fear of leaving a pile of eggshells in a puddle of milk on the sidewalk.

There are many other reasons for bringing your own bags to the store. Of course, you will eliminate a large amount of waste. Not only will your shopping habits be less taxing on landfills, but you’ll also be saving oil.

That’s right, plastic is a petroleum byproduct and by using less of it, we are able to lessen the amount of petroleum consumed.

There is also the simple fact of durability and convenience. As I mentioned before, plastic bags are not durable whatsoever. They may, in fact, be the most worthless way to carry heavy items such as orange juice containers or milk cartons. One small tear can lead to a lot of wasted groceries.

Canvas bags allow you to carry more in one trip. Years ago I lived on the third floor of an apartment. I used to make at least three trips up with my many half-filled plastic bags, and usually something would rip or fall out. With canvas bags, I could have carried all my groceries up in one trip without disaster.

Now, after a few years, I have finally been rewarded for my use of reusable canvas bags. Trader Joe’s, a grocery store which I go to often, has a weekly raffle for a $25 gift certificate. To enter, you must bring reusable bags. This week, I finally won. So tonight, when I return from the store, armed with my full canvas bags, I’ll be eating for free . . . at least for a few days.