We’ve talked about recycling plastic bags but there are other approaches to keep your plastic bags from overflowing – reducing your plastic bag use with reusable containers. From cloth and nylon bags, to boxes and baskets, or backpacks and push carts there are many alternative ways to reduce the number of plastic bags accumulating in your home. The less you have the easier it will be to stay organized.
My favourite plastic alternative is the compact style that easily rolls up or folds into a pouch. I carry one or two of these in my bag. This way I’m always ready to say, “No thanks, I don’t need a bag.” For larger shopping trips, like the grocery store, collect a few reusable bags ready for the task. Reusable boxes or baskets are a great alternative to bags if you shop by car. After you unpack your groceries return your bags, boxes and baskets to the trunk, so you won’t forget them for the next shop! If you shop by walking through your neighbourhood consider utilizing a backpack or a push cart with reusable boxes layered inside.
The best part about plastic bag alternatives is the choice. You can customize your bags and boxes to compliment the type of shopping that you do regularly, choose your favourite colours and style. Have fun with them and get creative. I would love to hear from you about your favourite plastic bag alternative.
If you would like to see some examples of plastic bag alternatives visit www.reusablebags.com/store/shopping-bags-c-2.html. Please note this is a US based site, but they showcase several bags that may be available in your local area. In my neighbourhood several stores carry the Envirosax (www.envirosax.ca) and Reisenthel (www.reisenthel.com) brands. Whenever I can I try to shop local and support my community retailers.
Toronto Retailers
binz
1934 Queen Street East Toronto
416-690-4611
www.binz.ca
iQliving
542 Danforth Ave Toronto
416-466-2727
www.iqliving.com
NEAT
628 Queen Street West Toronto
416-368-6328
www.neatspace.ca
Solutions
2329 Yonge Street Toronto
647-430-8749
See website for additional locations:
www.solutions-stores.ca
