I’m ashamed to say that until very recently, I was still using plastic bags at the grocery store. I finally converted to reusable shopping totes, but found that I was still wasting a lot of plastic on my produce.
(I still bring raw meat items home in plastic bags. In case you were wondering.)
When June from Fickle Faerie bags started following me on Twitter, I checked out her Etsy shop and discovered that reusable produce bags exist.
Her nylon mesh bags come in a variety of colors, and they’re tied with cute satin/organza ribbons. At around 11”x11”, you can cram a lot of produce in there, but they don’t take up much space when you’re not using them.
Her renewable cotton bags (seen here) are more stylish, with a cute print along the opening. I prefer these to the mesh totes. They’re much cuter than the store-brand grocery bags I use. They’re also versatile—I’ve used mine to lug picnic gear to the beach. Since they’re cotton, they’re not going to resist stains or wash as easily as the nylon ones. I haven’t found this to be a problem though.
Why do I like Fickle Faerie bags?
- Bright colors: I’m a sucker for color, even when it doesn’t actually do anything to enhance the use of a product. Also I’m less likely to lose brightly colored bags.
- Affordable: You only need one or two to invest in your future by eliminating your use of plastic bags.
- Great for Farmer’s Markets: Stick one in your market bag and you’ve got a great way to bring home some fresh local produce.
I also tried out reusable snack bags, which were adorable but not quite as functional. My three-year-old is still in the uber messy phase and I wasn’t quite ready to pack a cream cheese and jelly sandwich in a bag I’d have to wash later. Still, they’re very cute and are more than sufficient for throwing some crackers or raisin boxes in your diaper bag.
Here’s a fun fact: To this date, June has shipped over 6,500 reusable produce bags. If each of those bags are used just once a week for a whole year, that’s over 338,000 plastic bags saved. Cool stuff.
One True Thing Free Stuff Alert
On lucky commenter will receive a cotton renewable produce bag. To enter you MUST:
- Comment telling us something Earth-friendly you do at home or out shopping.
For up to three extra entries:
- Follow June on Twitter. Comment with your Twitter username.
- Tweet about this giveaway. Comment with your tweet or username.
- Blog about this giveaway. Comment with a link to your post.
Contest is only open to U.S. residents. Comments that do not follow the requirements will be deleted. Contest ends April 28, 2009 at 12 ET.
About the author: Maria is surrounded by boys. She gets all aflutter when she finds good deals, new episodes of Gossip Girl, and big bold bottles of red wine. Read more from this author.
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What a great idea! I already use my own shopping bags, and we’ve just gotten our giant curbside recycling bin (yay!) Thanks for introducing me to these little gems.
I Use reuseable bags anytime I shop,even at
department stores.I also use energy saver light
bulbs and have a compost pile in backyard
Following you on Twitter (Swtlilchick)
I’ve been using reusable cotton bags for awhile. I switched to my light bulbs and have cut the use of paper towels.
Try to conserve water and recycle too.skyxsky27(at)gmail.com
Following you on Twitter,id-skyxsky27, skyxsky27(at)gmail.com
I use cloth bags for shopping
I bought a guinea pig – in lieu of composting. Seriously, I have some Envirosax bags and any plastic bags that come home we re-use in some way. Most of them get returned to the Publix plastic bag dropoff.
I have been using Chico Bags for over a year now. http://www.chicobag.com/ I have like 8 of them and they fold up so small that I just stick them back in my purse after using them. They are great for Target/Walmart, the grocery store, the mall, wherever. I use them everywhere!
We also use as many eco-friendly cleaning products, like Method counter and bathroom cleaners, & Palmolive Eco Dishwasher soap. We even invested in an energy efficient washer & dryer a few years ago.
Every light bulb in our house except for one lamp which we are waiting until it burns out is now a CFL including the dimming spotlight bulbs in the family room.
I also take every opportunity in the spring, winter and fall in Florida to open the windows and shut off the A/C. Fresh air ROCKS and saving electricity is even better.
I want to install solar panels like there’s nobody’s business and get off the grid. But yeah, unless I win the lottery that ain’t happening any time in the near or distant future.
i keep several reusable bags in another reusable bag in the trunk of the car. you never know how many you might need once you start shopping!
I use environmentally friendly cleaning products and reusable bags.
I hang dry all of my laundry. It saves energy and the clothes last longer.
I follow on twitter
@Jinxyisms
tweet http://twitter.com/Jinxyisms/statuses/1578137589
I use cloth diapers on the baby, and I try to use less toxic cleaning supplies around the house. We use Dr Bronners for all kinds of things.
iluvchrisnlevi@aol.com
i buy bulk it cuts down on refuse
I have committed to using re-usable grocery bags. Even if it means going back to the car to get them when I forget!
follow you on twitter SaraMama
tweeted it http://twitter.com/SaraMama/status/1579786965
I use cloth bags or plastic tubs at the store
I already use cloth bags at the store. I also recycle at work – they dont so I collect the paper scraps and take them to a local recycling drop off
reuse bags at store take in tote bags
I wash all of our clothing in cold water and line dry :)
I’m following June on Twitter (Coupons4Me)
I twittered about your giveaway :)
http://twitter.com/Coupons4Me
We recycle paper, cardboard, glass and plastic!
I don’t use paper towels anymore, I buy eco-friendly cloths.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I follow June on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Janetfaye
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/1582368692
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
An Earth Friendly thing I do is reuse boxes (from cereal to shipping boxes) for postcards and crafts.
I totally tweeted:
http://twitter.com/tammigirl/status/1582575038
we bring our own bags and often reuse the plastic veggie bags or dont take them at all.
We have been replacing our regular light bulbs with energy-saving bulbs.
I finally started to actually use my reusable bags! I would love one like this for produce!
I’m following you on Twitter!
No more paper plates or styrofoam cups
we have started recycling at home
I am glad that they have started making the produce bags, since that is something that was missing when changing to reusable shopping bags. I have been recycling everything possible for years, although it is more difficult now that I live in a rural area that does not do pickup of recyclables. So I just load them into the car whenever I go into town and drop them off.
I use my own cleaners for the kitchen, the bathroom, even doing laundry. I feel like it keeps harsh chemicals out of the water supply and cuts down on the huge amounts of packaging and shipping needed for commercial cleaners.
I use reusable shopping bags but really need to start using reusable produce bags as well
I take my own bags to the market and we compost our kitchen scraps.
We use reusable bags and get bonus gas points for each bag used at Krogers! We also are using green cleaning products like Seventh Generation. I have a case of thier dishwashing liquid!
I only go to the store once a week, and then take my own reusable bags.
We always use reusable bags at all the stores we go to – not just grocery stores. Sometimes we get weird looks at stores like Macy’s, but hey – we don’t want to use plastic bags!!
I follow her on twitter – addeviant
No more paper plates
We use reusable stainless steel water bottles instead of plastic throw away ones.
The Earth friendly thing I do when I am out shopping is carry reusable shopping totes. I need lots so I keep them in a basket in the back of my van to always be ready. I only buy earth friendly natural products whenever possible. Blessings
I tore up some old jeans and make shopping bags out of them, everyone seams to really like them, i am making some for some friends, which saves using plastic bags. I never use plastic bags any more.
We use reusable grocery and lunch bags. We also recycle as much as possible. Thanks for the chance.
I never get plastic bags; I always keep my reusable bags in the car so I have them on hand for shopping!
Thanks!
Adreisinger@aol.com
following June on Twitter
twitter.com/afabozzi
Adreisinger@aol.com
Tweet tweet!
http://twitter.com/afabozzi/statuses/1596452245
Adreisinger@aol.com
My family and I compost.
turn off water while brushing teeth.
I am in the process of switching all of my light bulbs over to CFL’s.
I always try to go shopping with reusable shopping bags plus a water bottle (to avoid buying a disposable beverage while I’m out.)
We compost and recycle.
Well we use cloth grocery bags. Trader Joes has a really cool insulated bag for cold things, that is awesome. and we compost. but Im excited to try out some reusable produce bags!
I’d love to have one of those bags! So far I have two cloth bags I take shopping and this would be perfect for produce. We are also recycling more and trying to remember to turn off lights and tvs etc. when not in use. I don’t have a blog but I came across yours and enjoy it.
I always take my own bags with me to the grocery store. Not only are they easier to carry and so much more stable than the old plastic bags, but I feel so much better about no waste. Thanks for the fantastic giveaway!
We recycle as much as we can.
I use cloth bags for the grocery. It feels strange when I forget – it has become a habit.
When i go shopping I take my own cloth bags with me!
We use cloth napkins instead of paper towels!
I take kraft paper bags to the store to put my produce in, rather than using the plastic ones they provide.
I’m following June on Twitter.
I use my tote bags when I shop and do not buy bottle water anymore or paper towels
We recycle a lot, use freecycle, go to yard sales and will be planting a garden!
Thanks
We use reusable shopping bags and use cleaning rags and cloth napkins at home, instead of paper ones.
Following June on Twitter as mommyof3inva.
At home we use biodegradable trash bags (from walgreens).
themeimlookingfor at yahoo dot com
I use reusable tote bags when I go grocery shopping.
Following on Twitter-Naddez
Tweeted @ http://twitter.com/Naddez
Those are super cute…I usually carry the reusable shopping bags with me..and I’m such a sucker..I keep buying them when I don’t have them. If I use the plastic ones..I keep them for the cat litter..LOLOL
I use cloth bags for shopping.
mercsmercado at yahoo dot com
I always have a reusable bag with me in my purse. Then I can use it if I have to run into Walgreen’s or the library, I have a bag with me and don’t end up with plastic.
I bring my own bags to the store with me! Thanks for the chance.
I’ve been trying to cut down on my use of disposables such as paper towels and napkins and I AM getting a collection of reusable bags to take to the grocery. I have about 4 now.
We just made a compost bin on Earth day.
I am following June on twitter now (quelleheure4)
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/quelleheure4/status/1632647344
I am another huge fan of using my re-usable tote bags for when I go shopping so I don’t have to get plastic bags. Thanks for a great giveaway :)
I purchased a really cute recycled water thermos from Wal-Mart that I keep refilling from the tap! lol
Amy
MovieMomma@gmail.com
I cloth diaper. Thanks for the chance to win the bag!
I use my own shopping bags.
We do weekly curb side recycling, we try to use totes instead of plastic bags, also when I change our dogs daily drinking water instead of dumping down drain, I water the plants with it.
Thank you for the chance to win
camper223[at]live[dot]com
I’m a twitter follower
I twitted this contest
camper223
camper223http://tinyurl.com/capcqe
less than 5 seconds ago from web
Thank you for the chance to win
camper223[at]live[dot]com
We are planting our own garden
I love my Chico Bags . I carry a collapsible container for restaurant leftovers. Have my reusable water bottle and coffee mug in my (overstuffed tote bag ). I recently ordered the bamboo to-go utensils . I’m going to have to invest in a bigger tote bag now.
I carry a stainless steel water bottle instead of purchasing bottled water.
I also do the reusable shopping bag thing but somehow plastic bags always make their way into the house from somewhere so we take those to the grocery store for recycling. But my favorite green thing thing that I’m doing while using the reusable bags is advertising the cause. The more people that see us shopping responsibly the better
I bring my own bags to the grocery store instead of using plastic ones.
madamerkf at aol dot com
I substitute natural products like vinegar or baking soda for harsh chemical cleaning products.
I follow June on twitter.
username: wordsmoveme
I have become very green recently including using renewable bags. Having one specifically for produce though is unique. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
I take my own bags when shopping, use CFLs, recycle and use green cleaning products.
Follow on twitter.
choochoo428
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/choochoo428/status/1638928087
I try to compost kitchen scraps.
I take my own bags when shopping.
I replace all of my light bulbs with energy saving ones.
I’m finally in an area with easy access to recycling, so I’m trying to re-train myself (and my roommate. and my boyfriend.) to separate out the recyclables. Usually this involves me sighing and removing things from the top of the trash can.
I have started saving larger jars and cookie tins. I then fill them with my homemade fudge and cookies and even seasoned popcorn when I need a generic gift for Birthdays or the holidays. Sometimes a pretty ribbon is all you need to decorate them.
we grow our own veggies :)
following on twitter klp1965
I follow June on twitter.
We recycle and use reusable shopping bags. Like you, I still end up using the plastic produce bags (cause the idea of loose produce in those nasty shopping carts gives me the willies)…and I still use plastic for the raw meats.
I’ve been using the reusable bags for a long time now. I can’t believe the people who aren’t using them and still opt for plastic! Not only are they more environmentally friendly than the plastic, but they’re sturdier and can hold more. You’d think it was a no brainer!
Thanks for the giveaway!
annasmama0702@gmail.com
I am following June on twitter (http://twitter.com/annasmama0702).
annasmama0702@gmail.com
I tweeted this giveaway
http://twitter.com/annasmama0702
annasmama0702@gmail.com
WE RECYCLE, REUSE AND CONSERVE WHAT WE CAN:)
We recycle everything possible and pass on magazines to friends
I grow my own veggies, fruit and herbs :)