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 (well, maybe your first child seeing as I forgot my 2nd child on a couple occasions but that is a post for a different day).
Until it does become old habit, here are a few tips you might find helpful:
- Hang them on the door knob: After you unpack your reusable 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.
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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 in which 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.
- 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.
But what is the big deal about reusable bags anyway? Why do I think that it is so important to remember to take and use reusable bags?
Here are a few reasons:
- According to ReusableBags.com, “the U.S. goes through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually. An estimated 12 million barrels of oil is required to make that many plastic bags…The average family accumulates 60 plastic bags in only four trips to the grocery store.”
- 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.
- In the long run we end up paying for all those “free” plastic bags with our environment.
Another bonus for using reusable bags is that stores have started reimbursing customers for using them. Before you know it, those bags will have paid for themselves.
Do you have tips for remembering to take and use your reusable bags ? Let us know what they are via the comments section.
In addition to writing for Blissfully Domestic, Lena is also a working mom and wife who is learning to go green, one day at a time. Come by and visit at Over Coffee and learn what you should look for in a reusable bag.
Landfill photo from PlanetArk
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Thanks for the great tips – I have a hard time remembering to take my bags with me to the store, but I definitely need to keep trying!
Glad to help. Hanging my bags on the door knob works the best for me!
Great post. Reusable bags don't do much good if you forget them.
a check out clerk said she remembers her bags by putting her purse inside the bag and then she will grab them both
next time!
That is a good point Lisa! Hopefully my post will help.
Thanks for the suggestion Dorene. That sounds like a great way to remember your bags!