Go-Again Bags - reusable shopping bags

[mzmolly]

Just got mine today, they're great!

I paid $20 for TEN bags including shipping! I'm thrilled with the quality and price.

Linky > http://go-againbags.com/

:hi:

[marlakay]

1. I have 4 canvas bags I keep in the car

and thinking about getting a few more to keep everywhere, my scooter, the house, my husbands commuter car...want to end all temptation to get "their bags"

I used to years ago be kind of embarrassed carrying in my old bags, but now its hip people all over do it and I see more and more people bringing them to Safeway and regular stores.

[Warpy]

25. I used baskets back in Boston

until I found a street vendor selling heavy Naugahyde shopping bags. I still use them, but after 20 years, the handles are getting iffy and will soon need repair. I have canvas bags I've gotten from wool and other fibre growers and I'm not a bit embarrassed to advertise their ranches. I always keep a string bag or two in my purse. Since I don't smoke, wear makeup or have a cell phone, I have plenty of room.

I'm seeing more rebels, too, and the grocery gives everybody a nickel for every bag they bring and fill.

[whistle]

2. Speaking of shopping I paid $4.19 for a gallon of whole milk at the supermarket

...and I noticed that almost everything I regularly buy is going up in price almost weekly now

[GreenPartyVoter]

3. Yeah, we bought very little last night for a lot of money.

[marlakay]

5. I guess you'd choke then at my $6.19 a gallon

I started buying organic milk, eggs and chicken a few years ago...just don't trust the hormones they add...

[devilgrrl]

7. I've been replacing dairy with coconut milk.

So far, so good. :-)

[whistle]

23. Not really, but I just can't afford organic unless we go to eating half rations

...my point was that prices are going up much faster than the official reports of inflation

[Double T]

14. How is that possible when inflation is ONLY 4.5%............

SOMEONE must be lying to us again.

[whistle]

28. Last week the same milk was $3.89 per gallon so it jumped $0.30

...or about 7.7% and earlier this year I was getting milk from that supermarket for $3.19 a gallon and last year it was $2.59 per gallon. So my best guess is that inflation on basic stuff we use every day is into the double digits and has been for much of the past 18 months. No one is even reporting that :wtf:

[Double T]

37. wall street and the FED control the manipulated message..........

we'll NEVER know the actual truth. Day to day purchases of the necessities of life continue upward rapidly and continually.

[whistle]

87. Another reason why Ruppert Murdock wants control of the Wall Street Journal

...That must not be allowed to happen.

[bicentennial_baby]

30. Inflation figures don't include

Food and fuel prices, that's why.

[Double T]

35. I know.........what an absolute SHAM!

[whistle]

90. When were those deliberately taken out of the calculation, do you know?

...Food and fuel prices changes I thought were underestimated in the calculations of the CPI, not eliminated.

<snip>
Removal of Two PPI Indexes for April 2006

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With the September 19, 2006, release of Producer Price Index (PPI) data, revised indexes for April 2006 were inadvertently published on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Web site and in Table 5 of the PPI Detailed Report for Electronic shopping and mail-order houses (pcu454110454110) and Electronic shopping and mail-order house services (pcu4541104541101). Prior to June 2006, these were research indexes and the release of April 2006 data was unintentional.

Effective with the release of December 2006 data on January 17, 2007, the April 2006 indexes for these two series were removed from the PPI database that is on the BLS Web site, and all indexes in the Electronic shopping and mail-order houses industry were rebased to June 2006 = 100.

The BLS regrets any inconvenience this may cause data users. Further information is available from the PPI Section of Index Analysis and Public Information at: [phone].



Last Modified Date: January 17, 2007

http://www.bls.gov/ppi/ppinotice042006.htm


http://www.bls.gov/ppi/ppidr200705.pdf


<snip>
Differences between CPI and PPI

Summary

The conceptual and definitional distinctions of the PPI and CPI are consistent with the uses of these two major economic indicators. The PPI is used to deflate revenue to measure real growth in output and the CPI is used to adjust income and expenditures for changes in the cost of living. In brief, the CPI includes services, imports, and sales taxes, whereas the PPI excludes them. Distribution costs are included in the CPI but not in the PPI. Finally, the PPI includes capital equipment and the CPI does not.
<MORE at>

http://www.bls.gov/ppi/ppicpippi.htm

[Sal Minella]

38. And it isn't the small dairy farmers making out like bandits -- heard a story on NPR featuring a few

small dairy operators in the southeast U.S. who are being driven out of business because everything they need to buy is so much more expensive but the price they are paid for milk hasn't gone up at all for years.

[Double T]

56. 'corporate' everything is squeezing and killing off small business.......

including the farmers.

[SmokingJacket]

97. They're managing to count the stuff that isn't going up.

Like plastic ice cube trays and boxes of paperclips.

[tandot]

24. I bought organic milk to avoid growth hormones and paid $6.99

However, I am the only one drinking milk in our family and it takes me two weeks to finish it up (if it doesn't expire before then). It one of the rare luxury food items I buy.

A family with kids on a fixed income is really screwed with those prices.

[HughBeaumont]

27. Simple trips to get 10 items now runs around 25 - 40 dollars.

I'm not even buying big items either, just necessities. Everything now costs 1.5 times as much while I make relatively the same factoring inflation in the mix. So much for any positive monetary value should anyone happen to get a raise.

[mzmolly]

48. I know, it's unreal.

:(

[MissB]

55. Three of the four members of my household drink soymilk.

I've noticed the price of soymilk has held steady for more than a year (I buy it at Costco for $10.99 for a case of 12 quarts). We don't use much dairy milk in this house, so the uptick in prices doesn't bug me too much.

[doni_georgia]

89. There's a thread on this

I pay $4.99 a gallon for organic milk and $2.58 a quart for organic soy milk. My friend's mom paid $6.99 for a gallon on milk at WallyWorld yesterday. They're saying milk prices are so high because of corn being used for ethanol (personally I think this is BS). My suggestion is to buy organic. With traditional prices rising, organic will either cost the same or less than regular milk. It's better for you, tastes better, and doesn't put money into the hands of the dairy industry (which is as corupt as the oil industry IMHO).

[Lorien]

118. Here too. Hard to find much at the supermarket for less than $3

Prices have always been a bit high here in Orlando because it's a tourist town, but now they are positively skyrocketing. I used to spend about $26.00 for a week's groceries, and now it's up to about $36.00 for the same items. That's one hell of a jump in a fairly short amount of time.

[EFerrari]

4. I'm designing canvas bags with a little map of our tourist 'hood.

Nice to be part of the solution!

[devilgrrl]

6. I reuse bags from Trader Joes's plus I have 2 canvas bags.

:-)

[Beaverhausen]

8. I love my canvas bags

I still have to convince some baggers that "no, you don't need to put my cold items into a plastic bag before you put them in my canvas bag!" Sheesh!

[Emit]

9. Gonna order me some right now!

Thanks -- been looking at the ones at the stores I frequent, and these seem bigger and cheaper! Thanks for posting. I think they should outlaw those little plastic grocery bags -- the ones that fit like two items and you end up with a hundred after each shopping excursion. They should be illegal, IMHO.

I always ask for paper, and I ask them to fill it up, pack it heavy -- the less I have to carry, and the less bags I end up with iin the long run (but I always get that look from the baggers and checkers, 'cause those plastic ones are easier for them apparently? :shrug: ).

This Go-Again Bag is the best solution for me.

[TommyO]

54. San Francisco has already banned them, going into effect later this year.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/03/28/MNGDROT5QN1.DTL

[TommyO]

10. Wegmans is selling something similar for $0.99 a bag

right at the register - you buy it there, they pack your goodies into it for you. Best things ever - they hold more than those damnable plastic bags, don't rip, and don't collapse and spill your food all over the car.

[MissB]

46. Yep - local stores such Fred Meyers and New Seasons

sell them for $0.99 as well. They are a bit bigger than a standard paper bag too.

[TommyO]

51. The bags even have grommeted holes that allow the bag to be placed on the same racks

that the plastic bags use - it makes it much easier for the cashier to keep the bag held open.

[mzmolly]

49. Don't have a wegmans locally, but that's a great idea!

:toast:

[Lugnut]

67. They are great.

They're a really generous size and very sturdy. The price is right too.

I love Wegman's. The closest store to me is 25 miles away so I only get there about once a month or so. It's worth the few extra miles.

[TommyO]

75. Wilkes-Barre or Nazareth?

Mine is the Nazareth store, though depending on where I am, I've also done the Bethlehem or Allentown stores, and the Bridgewater store is near my office (and they have the best Sushi of the four stores I've been at).

[Lugnut]

143. WIlkes-Barre

I live near Hazleton so it's just a 25 min drive and well worth the trip.

[slj0101]

11. Nice!

Seems a lot of places are starting to do that.

[poverlay]

12. Good for you! My wife works for Trader Joe's so I'm going to get mine there. I noticed

that they were pretty cheap the other day.
I usually just re-use my paper bags, but the LiveEarth show convinced me otherwise. (Who can refuse Fergie, Madonna, Joss, Melissa, and Al?)
Thanks for the reminder.

[Acadia Blue]

13. I have 3 different kinds and they are great.

[BattyDem]

15. Thank you for the info!

They look like nice bags - big and sturdy. With shipping, it ends up costing $2.00 a bag, which isn't a bad deal. I really like the fact that they're "boxy" like a paper-in-plastic bag is.

Thanks again! :hi:

[applegrove]

16. In Canada the supermarkets sell the reusable bags. For about a dollar.

Me I have kitty litter to take care of so I am waiting desperately for a disposable bag that will break down fast.

[mzmolly]

50. I hear that!

:hi:

[tblue37]

85. I use old kitty litter bags for used kitty litter.

I dip out any urine soaked litter as soon as a cat pees, and when the bag gets full, I close it up and put it in the trash. I try to stay one empty kitty litter bag ahead, so that I am not left with wet litter that needs to be removed but no empty bag to dip it into.

(Kitty poop goes right into the toilet, not the bg.)

[mzmolly]

111. I use scoopable litter and can only find that in the big plastic tubs?

But, I'm rethinking this. I am using paper bags as of late to clean the boxes.

[tblue37]

139. I recommend not using scoopable.

I didn't realize how bad it was for my cats until it got bad for me, too. I developed a nasty lung problem, and when my doctor asked if I used scoopable, she recommended I get rid of it. It actually turned out to be the cause, and since I got rid of it I haven't had any more problems. I did some online research and discovered that scoopable litter is bad for cats and people. It creates a fine dust that coats the lungs and causes problems that resemble silicosis.

The poop scoops nicely without scoopable anyway, and you can't flush the scoopable down the toilet.

The urine also scoops nicely with regular litter if you get it while it is wet. As soon as one of my three cats urinates, I scoop it right up and into the empty litter bag I have saved for that purpose. If it I don't catch it before it dries out enough to be unscoopable, I dribble a little bit of water on the same area, and then scoop. As sooon as I scoop, I dampen a clean tissue and use it to wipe the area in the box where the urine was. I clean my litter box three times week, but I "freshen" it every time any of the cat does anything in it.

My youngest cat (2 years old) will actually come and get me if she goes to the box and finds something in it (even just urine) that I haven't spotted and cleaned out yet. She likes her toity fresh.

[mzmolly]

141. Wow, that's awful!

Thanks for the info. I have a male cat who's very picky and he will urinate on the floor if he doesn't like the litter, so I'll have to find one he "enjoys" that is also not toxic. Sheesh!

[tblue37]

144. You can acclimate him to a new litter by using it a little bit at a time in the old litter,

until it is the only litter in the box. Also, if the box is kept scrupulously clean, he is more likely to acclimate to new litter.

I keep my litter box very, very clean just because I feel that since their lives are curtailed by being stuck indoors all the time, I want what they do have to be as pleasant as possible.

When I bought them a cat tree, I said it was their Christmas gift, but in truth it was a gift for me, so I could enjoy watching them play on it and playing with them when they were all excited on it.

Whenever I buy something that comes in a box, especially a big box, the box stays in my tiny little apartment for as long as they seem to be enjoying it or until a new box arrives. (I just now threw out the box my pedestal fan came in 3 weeks ago!) I don't care that it clutters up the apartment. I live alone, and my friends all know they will be stepping around a kitty-cat playground when they come to see me.

When I had my home daycare for 18 years, I was the master of "found toys" for kids. I was always on the lookout for things that could be turned into toys. I do the same thing with my cats. I am always thinking, "I bet they would like to mess around with that for a while!"

I will hide toys they have grown tired of so that I can bring them out a month or two later so they will respond as though the toys are new again.

My kids are both adults and living half a continent away now--but my cats bring me joy and delight every minute of the day.

[tandot]

17. We just got 4 each from two of our favorite grocery stores (Safeway & Nugget).

Actually, both of them look like the Go-Again bags. And both stores refund several cents each time we use them.

Al Gore and the Live Earth concerts inspired us.

[annabanana]

18. AHEM!! - (DU has bags at cafe press)

DU has canvas bags for sale!

http://www.cafepress.com/buy/democratic+underground/-/pv_design_prod/p_354756.21464058/pNo_21464058/id_760646/fpt_/opt_/c_360/pg_1

[Stephanie]

19. I use my shopping bags for garbage bags.

They're just the right size to go down the chute. If I get reusuable bags, what am I supposed to do about the garbage? Buy garbage bags?

[dysfunctional press]

44. me too.

as long as they have them, i'll continue to use them.

i usually make sure to double-bag things, as well.

[alcibiades_mystery]

53. Huh...

No comment.

[dysfunctional press]

72. none needed.

as long as they keep making the plastic bags, i'll happily keep using them.

[prolesunited]

83. As long as they make Hummers, I'll keep driving them

As long as they make regular light bulbs, I won't switch to CFLs.
As long as I can drive two blocks, I refuse to walk.
As long as water flows from my tap, I'll leave it on continuously while washing dishes and brushing teeth.
As long as I can just toss everything in the trash, I won't recycle.
And so on and so on...

Don't worry, I'll do extra to make up for you, not that it seems you would care.

[dysfunctional press]

86. gosh golly gee whiz- i've never actually met a perfect human being- before YOU!

your parents must be SO proud.... :hug: oh, thou whose carbon footprint is obviously in the high negative numbers, and is therefore a beacon and teacher to us all....:swoon:


btw- i hate to bring this up, but as long as you're going to cover for me, you might want to step it up even another notch, because i always double-bag....sorry.

[mzmolly]

95. So, what's your point?

Should we all aspire to be just like you?

[dysfunctional press]

102. ???

:shrug:

i'm not the one dictating what people should or have to do, or that they live their lives in any one particular way.

i leave that task to the perfect human beings who show up here now and again.

[mzmolly]

104. I'm not dictating it either QuestionAll,

I just started at thread for those interested in buying the bags. I've priced them before and they were $6.00 each plus shipping. I'm sharing that I got a bargain and I don't have to hassle with recycling the plastic ones any longer.

Peace

[dysfunctional press]

108. i apologize- it wasn't your op that got under my skin...

so much as this one:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=1294222&mesg_id=1295576

EVERYBODY on these boards should be using some form of reusable shopping bags

It is truly inexcusable not to.

And when I make little trips, I skip the bags altogether. Same in retail stores: No bag, thanks.

The next step is cutting out all the damn useless packaging. We're already on to scoop-able cereals in reusable bags, which cuts a tremendous amount of paper packaging out of our lives. Ditto cous cous and rice. We're aiming for close-to-plastic-and-paper free by the end of the year. Expensive proposition for some, I know, but those who CAN, must..

holier than thou type hypocrite people really PISS me off.

[mzmolly]

114. I honestly didn't take the post in the same way you did.

I took it as a statement in support of my OP. We all say things here at times that sound all or nothing, but I don't think anyone feels that way QA?

Again, peace

[dysfunctional press]

120. i took it as very preachy and holier-than-thou...

especially when taken in combination with another post from the same poster, in response to another of my posts in this thread.

words/phrases like "EVERYBODY" in caps, and "truly inexcusable" are what make it such an offensive and intolerant post & attitude, imho.

btw- another reason i like the plastic shopping bags as opposed to the various cloth ones i've seen is that when i ride my bike to the grocery, the plastic store bags hang well on my handlebars, and i can balance out the load for easier riding.

and as i said, once i get the bags home, i do recycle them by using them as garbage bags.

[prolesunited]

109. I'm FAR from perfect and NEVER said I was.

Gee, we even have electricity and running water and don't live in a cave. :eyes:

The point is that if we all make a few changes when we can -- for example, public transit isn't an option for some or perhaps someone hauls a lot of gear for work and needs a truck -- it can add up to make a big difference.

OK, we get it. You don't want to change anything, but why attack those who are trying? sharing ideas and explaining how things worked for them or weren't as hard to do as they thought.

You seem to have this huge chip on your shoulder about this whole issue. Is it that you don't "believe" in global warming or don't feel you should take any responsibility for helping to find solutions?

I'm not perfect, never said I was and don't think I ever will be. But at least I'm doing something constructive rather than insulting and belittling people who are trying to make a difference.

[dysfunctional press]

113. where did i say i don't want to change anything?

for instance- we've gone to the expense of installing a reverse osmosis filtration system(we have well water) so that we don't have to keep using those plastic bottled water.

and when it comes to the plastic shopping bags- i'm recycling them by using them as garbage bags, meaning that i don't therefore have to buy/use plastic garbage bags that would then end up in the same landfill as the shopping bags i use now.

i just think it's asinine to insist that EVERYONE must comply with one particular action.

but apparently 'alcibiades_mystery' thinks deems otherwise.

(btw- i've had cfl's in every fixture not on a dimmer for several years now)

[SmokingJacket]

100. posted wrong place.

nt

[woo me with science]

140. LOL! Well aren't we virtuous?

I find good use for plastic bags all the time, and if you happened to be my neighbor you would be sorry if I stopped, because when I take my dog for a walk, I am not picking his crap off your lawn with reusable burlap!

[Catshrink]

78. I use mine for cleaning the litter box...

What is an alternative? If I have to go slumming and shop at Sprawl-Mart, I make a point to use those bags for cat poop -- it seems fitting.

[dysfunctional press]

106. i use the big plastic bags that my water softener pellets come in...

we have three cats, three boxes, and i probably don't clean them out often enough.

i think it's ridiculous for people to dictate what environmental tasks EVERYONE here MUST do-

i use the plastic shopping bags as garbage bags, therefore i don't have to buy/use plastic garbage bags- same environmental savings accomplished.

i wonder if the op or any of the other holier-than-thous in this thread drink bottled water??? if so, i COMMAND :sarcasm: that they cease and desist IMMEDIATELY, and do what i did- install a reverse osmosis system with a tap in their homes...after all- each of those plastic water bottles represent more pollution than a plastic shopping bag.

at least you and i are both recycling the bags we use.

[Betsy Ross]

20. In addition to shopping bags

I have made a number of fabric and mesh bags to hold produce and bulk foods. (I take a plastic bag when I buy celery because I don't have a container that it will fit in for home storage.) I frequently give bags away to other customers I meet while shopping. Many times the checker will give me bag credit for these bags as well as the shopping bag just because they think it is a great idea.

[xultar]

21. I'm gonna give them a go also. Thanks for the link.

[SoCalDem]

22. I don't use bags at all

I have 4 heavy-duty boxes in my car trunk, and I just put the stuff into them in the parking lot.. That way I can pack things the way I want them, and can leave the heavy canned goods etc in them for when my husband gets home.. I carry in the cold stuff and leave the rest in the turnk :evilgrin:

[wakeme2008]

26. I need to go on more Cruises :)

Got a Holland American canvas bag

Got a Seabourn canvas bag

and a grocery store (Pubix) canvas bag...

:)

Need more cruises.

[RedEarth]

29. Thanks for providing the information.... I just ordered some

...it's a great price compared to many of the bags I've seen.

[Irishonly]

31. Thanks

I just ordered a set.:hi:

[Tansy_Gold]

32. I made my own about ten years ago

I used a heavy cotton twill that's easier to sew than denim or canvas. They're just about the same size as standard grocery store plastic bags but hold a lot more in terms of weight. A full week of groceries for a family of four used to fill 20 plastic bags, but rarely went over 10 of the fabric ones.

I bought 5 yards of the fabric on sale for $1/yd and made 10 bags. Fry's (the local Kroger outlet) gives 5 cents off for each BYOB, so these bags paid for themselves within a few months. I wish I could say that after ten years they're starting to wear out, but they're still going strong! In fact, I made some "replacements" about five years ago thinking I'd need them eventually, but they're still unused in a storage box.


Tansy Gold

[Gormy Cuss]

92. And you can wash them, no doubt.

Not that they need to be washed very often but if they do start to look filthy it's easy enough to throw them in with the regular laundry and hang them out to dry.

Heavy twill is a good weight for a bags. Another DU'er posted a thread about making reusable bags as gifts for his sister and I'm thinking that I may do the same for some friends and family. I have heavy twill remnants that I bought for about $2.00/yard.


That said, if I find myself out without my canvas bags I ask for paper bags before taking plastic but if I do end up with a plastic bags they are reused.

[Tansy_Gold]

122. They get washed about every third or fourth trip

or about once a month. give or take, that's still about 100 washings they've been through, and still in great shape.

I've learned, however, to make sure I tell the person bagging the groceries RIGHT AWAY that I have my own bags. If they don't know, they may start putting stuff in plastic out of habit, and then when they switch to my fabric bags, the "used" plastic ones get thrown away. Once the bagger grabbed all my fabric bags like they were something I'd bought and stuffed them into a plastic bag! The cashier and I got a good laugh.

Also, a couple of notes to anyone who wants to make their own: 1. Making square bottoms is easy enough to do and makes the bags much easier to pack and unpack as well as holding more. 2. Making the handles long enough to tied closed will help prevent things from falling out. I drive an S-10 Blazer, and if those bags are loose in the back, having the handles tied means I don't have to reach for a can of corn that's rolled into an inaccessible corner.

[goclark]

33. Thanks! I ordered Go Agains just now

Pasy pals is a great option too.

[EleanorR]

34. Great idea!

I just ordered a set from reusablebags. Not as inexpensive as yours, but I can't wait to get them.

http://www.reusablebags.com/

[mzmolly]

142. Welcome Eleanor!

You should post more often! :hi:

Thanks for the link my friend. ;)

[CrispyQ]

36. My local health food store offers promotions on occasion & if you

purchase something like $40 worth of groceries you get a free canvas bag. $40 is not hard to do!!

However, this is my all time favorite bag.



It's a good conversation starter. It did piss off a boosh loving liquor store employee, though. Poor guy can hardly even be polite when he waits on me. Truth hurts, doesn't it dude? Your boy dropped the ball.

[Quantess]

39. IKEA sells giant reusable shopping bags.

It was super cheap, too.

[kestrel91316]

40. I've got 4 or 5 canvas totes, two of them from Whole Foods.

I also have one of the polypropylene ones from Von's but I hate the synthetic feel of it, and it static shocks me.

I prefer the natural fiber canvas ones......

We get a 5c credit for each bag we bring for groceries, even if it's just a reused plastic one. I just shop for myself so usually only get two bags full at a time. But that's a dime.

I also take beverage containers in for refund of the deposit - it's gone up to 5c for the regular ones and 10c so I will go out of my way to pick them up on the street now. That happens often because Angelenos are PIGS and just throw beverage containers all over the place (along with cigarette butts, dirty diapers, and fast food leftovers).

[Katherine Brengle]

41. I bought 5 bags from Stop & Shop :D

And one of those fits 2-3 times as many items as the plastic bags - and they're easy to carry.

:D

[SammyWinstonJack]

42. Damn! I just paid twice that for five hemp bags, including shipping. Oh well.

:shrug: :spank:

[NMDemDist2]

43. those look great, but I have already aquired a collection of canvas

and other bags from thrift stores over the years. I have two LARGE 'cold' bags too that will hold 3 gallons of milk and veggies so I'm set!

In my little town I got strange looks the first few times, but they're used to me now :rofl:

[Sal Minella]

77. Same here! Two HUGE mismatched cloth bags that hold a week's groceries

between them and I lumber out of the store like a loaded camel and I don't care if people look at me funny any more. They don't seem to, actually.....

[Sanctified]

45. Trader Joes has some re-usable bags like that which cost $1.99.

n/t

[MasonJar]

47. I have a cloth bag, which I use when I do NOT forget to put it in the car.

A local small fruit and vegetable market sells them.

[alcibiades_mystery]

52. EVERYBODY on these boards should be using some form of reusable shopping bags

It is truly inexcusable not to.

And when I make little trips, I skip the bags altogether. Same in retail stores: No bag, thanks.

The next step is cutting out all the damn useless packaging. We're already on to scoop-able cereals in reusable bags, which cuts a tremendous amount of paper packaging out of our lives. Ditto cous cous and rice. We're aiming for close-to-plastic-and-paper free by the end of the year. Expensive proposition for some, I know, but those who CAN, must.

[dysfunctional press]

73. get back to me when everyone here gives up their cars for bikes...

:eyes:
sheesh.

i use the plastic shopping bags as garbage bags, and will happily continue to do so as long as they are available.

[Name removed]

74. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[assclown_bush]

80. Yours is the single voice of reason on this thread...

A lot of good using a cloth bag does for the environment while people drive 6 blocks to the Costco.

[mzmolly]

99. Well someone tell that to Al Gore and the promoters of Live Earth

who suggested that we stop using plastic bags. They must have missed your voice of wisdom in putting this event together. However, in your example, how does one get home from Costco with groceries for a family of five on their ten speed?

I'm not sure why you think I have to sell my bike because I'm using eco friendly bags?

[assclown_bush]

124. A family of five? I suppose you have not heard about OVER~POPULATION.

I find it ironic to see all the Brentwood and Santa Monica housewives who shop at Gelsons or Whole Foods in their Range Rovers with 3 kids in tow (and a nanny) yet they too carry cloth bags, as if, this one little Green Gesture might undo all the damage being done to the environment with more children being brought to use up the few resources left. Yes, it is easy to say "look how kind I am to nature...I carry cloth bags...no nasty plastic for me" yet ignore the fact that some of these same people are doing more than their fair share of damage.

As for me, I will continue to walk to the supermarket and buy only what I can carry: In "paper and plastic" (I do use the bags for trash or I would have to buy trash bags which seems like it would defeat the whole purpose).

[mzmolly]

126. Any excuse to explain why one is lacking a family I suppose?

"Uhm, I don't have a family because it's bad for the environment." :eyes:

I have ONE child, but I don't think that having three is opposed to caring for the planet.

I live in Minnesota, walking to the store to feed my family isn't always an option. In fact, buying for a family it's not ever an option as I can't carry ten bags of grocaries.

BUT I do shop for a week or two at at time thus making fewer trips.

As I've stated, if we all make contributions in the ways that we can, great! Does that trouble you? Why would a post such mine simply noting where to buy inexpensive bags bother you so much?

[assclown_bush]

130. I am gay so I don't have the idee fixe of seing myself replicated for a sense of ego...

Furthermore, I think there are far TOO many people on the planet as it is. Billions of inhabitants with many feeling that adding another one, two or three is not really a problem. Many of these same un-educated and poor peoples have many many more than 3 children. I believe the best thing one can do for the planet is to adopt a poor child as opposed to breeding more. I know, it is not as gratifying to some to raise someone else's poor child (who may or may not blend with their own ethnicity) but it does the planet a whole lot more good than carrying a cloth bag any day of the week.

When people stop breeding like rabbits we will begin to do something TRULY positive for the planet. Until then, I am sure people will find all sorts of reasons as to why THEY should be the one's having children and how everyone else should conserve.

[mzmolly]

132. Being gay doesn't mean you can't have children.

I think you've made a good point however. That said, it takes large sums of money to adopt.

[assclown_bush]

135. I am in a monogamous relationship, and unless a miracle of biblical proportions...

happens I doubt my significant other and I will one day hear the pitter patter of tiny feet upon our floors (not that we want any pitter patter of ANY feet anywhere near us). Of course we could adopt, but that might be (and i highly doubt it) at a much later date.
But, yes, it is supposed to be quite expensive to adopt.
I apologize if I was rude, I didn't really mean to be so, I am sure that you and your family are fine people and are doing everything you can to help the environment.
Sometimes, I just need to get off my high horse.
I bid you peace and a good life.

:hi:

[mzmolly]

136. Thanks,

peace to you as well. :hi:

[Beaverhausen]

115. Plastic bags last 20,000 years in a land fill.

Why is it all or nothing with some people?

[assclown_bush]

125. I am not being facetious: how do they know they last 20,000 years?

Did someone bury a plastic supermarket bag 20,000 years ago and did it just FINALLY deteriorate? I have seen plastic webbing from patio furniture of the 1970's that is just about broken down into grainy dust. Seriously, is this 20,000 year thing an urban myth or has it been proven, and if so, how?

I realize that some people feel that even baby steps are good when helping the environment, but, honestly, don't you think we need to tackle the fact that Americans are just too darn lazy to give up their cars and air conditioning and even bar-b-queing? All these things do greater damage to the environment. But you are correct, it is not all or nothing...I just choose to do my part in other ways.

[Beaverhausen]

129. how about these facts about all the plastic we discard?

http://www.reusablebags.com/facts.php?id=13

There are many ways we can change our lives to help save our planet. Just making people aware that we do need to change most of our habits is a big problem.

In a way, I feel that carrying my canvas bags to the stores might make anyone who sees me doing it think about it a little.

[mzmolly]

94. Uhm, can't one do both?

Why can't we all contribute in a manner that works for us?

[dysfunctional press]

110. exactly.

i recycle the plastic shopping bags by re-using them, and in doing so don't have to utilize yet another form of plastic bag. (btw- the plastic shopping bags also make great boot-liners in the winter).

everyone can contribute in ways that work for them. it's wrong to dictate any one task that EVERYONE must comply with, just because it works for one.

[mzmolly]

112. And I applaud you for riding your bike as often as you can.

:hi:

[tblue37]

57. Thanks! I just followed the link and ordered some.

I end up with so many plastic bags all the time, beause I can't bear to throw them in the trash to become landfill. Now I won't have to have my kitchen drawers overflowing with plastic bags.

[in_cog_ni_to]

58. Thank you for posting this, mz! I've been wanting to buy some reusable shopping bags,

but I need so many of them, the cost was prohibitive or the bags were too small. I shop ONLY when I have to (I hate it) ...maybe once a month and have a LOAD of groceries to haul. I LOVE these and the price is awesome! I just ordered 20 bags. That should work for me. Thanks so much for posting this!

[mzmolly]

61. You're most welcome. I hope you'll like them too.

:hi:

[Catherine Vincent]

59. What color did you choose?

Thanks for the link!

[mzmolly]

60. I chose Green.

I'm boring. ;)

[Catherine Vincent]

63. Green is a good color!

It's the color of money! :)

[in_cog_ni_to]

64. That's what I chose too. Green's my favorite color.

;)

[Coexist]

62. Publix has some for $1.50 each

where ever you choose to get them - just GET THEM!!

[gollygee]

65. I keep canvas bags in the car

I hate hate hate hate hate hate plastic bags.

[Midlodemocrat]

66. I got mine from Kroger for about $1 each.

I LOVE them. Not only are they sturdier, but I get $.05 back when I shop at the stores here per bag.

I love, love, love them.

[Jersey Devil]

68. We started using reusable bags at Costco

I thought they were wierd when I first went there because they offer no bags and no boxes (unless you can scrounge a box from their recycling bins) so my wife bought a half dozen canvas bags and we've been using them ever since.

[mzmolly]

70. They're opening a Costco near me, I'm ecstatic!

:toast:

[DemoTex]

71. We have a new Costco opening soon, too. Greenville, SC.

Thank goodness.

[libnnc]

69. just bought some

THANKS FOR THE LINK!!

Tre cool.

We got dark green, btw...

[mzmolly]

76. I'm bummed because I just saw a "MADE IN CHINA" sticker.

GRRR! Oh well, half the battle ey? I plan to write the company and express my concern about that however.

:hi:

[AZBlue]

79. Craft stores are also good locations to find the bags.

They are used to either carry craft supplies or to decorate. Places like JoAnn's, Hancock, Michael's, etc all have them and they range usually from $1-6.

[mzmolly]

101. Great to know,

Thanks! :hi:

[assclown_bush]

81. I am "greener" than thee: I only buy what I can carry with my own two hands.

:rofl:

[prolesunited]

84. Someone is offering a suggestion and a resource link

Take it or leave it.

Why the hostility and need to mock the OP?

Nowhere in this thread did I see people saying those who use plastic bags are awful people or ridicule them as you just did.

[mzmolly]

93. I carry bags with my two hands.

;)

[assclown_bush]

133. Uhm, but those cloth bags were probably made in sweatshops by little children...

What is the likely-hood that those cloth bags that are made in China, Macau, Phillipines, Ecuador, India, Pakistan where made by adult employees working with Union safe-guards under decent and civilized conditions? I have not seen many cloth-bag factories in L.A.'s Westside.

What about them apples?:shrug:

[mzmolly]

134. Indeed.

I've discovered that the bags noted in the OP are made in china, and as such I'll be looking for another supplier when/if order more. That said, it's a one time purchase. We all have something in our homes made in china, that's an unfortunate reality.

Lastly, paper and plastic bags are often made in china as well so that's not something we can get away from using paper/plastic instead.

[assclown_bush]

137. I am currently in Santiago Chile and i find lots of people who carry bags with them

to market. I purchased a couple of bags, they are plastic but heavier and made here in Chile and are meant to be used over and over again until they fall apart...and from the way they are made I am sure they last a good long time. It makes sense here to use them...I am using public transport and the bags are easier to carry than the thin plastic ones that cut into your hands if you carry anything of weight.
So, yes, under certain conditions, even I, resort to re-usable bags for market purchases.

[mopinko]

82. every store should sell them. right at the cash register.

trader joe's has them for $1, pretty much like yours. trying to get in the habit.

[Tulum_Moon]

88. Most stores in Ca. have them.

If not all. They are $1.00.

[mzmolly]

105. Don't have a Trader Joes near me - yet

but they're coming soon. ;)

[doni_georgia]

91. When I was a kid my grandma always resued the regular paper bags

she folded them up after unpacking, put in a basket and put in the trunk of the car for the next trip to the grocery store. This was in the 1960s-70s. People who lived through the Depression always did stuff like this. My own mom always laughed at my grandma for all of her saving and reusing, but when I moved out on my own, I did the same thing (now my mom makes fun of me). Anyway, just wanted to point out that even if you are really strapped for cash and can't afford the canvas bags, you can reuse the regular grocery store bags over and over.

[mzmolly]

107. My Grandma did the same thing. And she and my aunt reused lunch bags as well.

They also washed out zip lock bags and reused them (I do that myself...) etc. I think it's good practice. And, MY Mom thought it was freakish as well. Interesting huh?

Anyway, just wanted to point out that even if you are really strapped for cash and can't afford the canvas bags, you can reuse the regular grocery store bags over and over.

Absolutely and good strong plastic bags can be reused as well.

:hi:

[doni_georgia]

119. When my grandma died we found MOUNDS of stuff she had saved

She never threw anything away. One closet was filled (every square inch) with the styrofoam trays that meat comes in. We washed them really well and donated to a local school's art department - they were thrilled to get them.

Glad to know I'm not the only one who reuses ziplock bags. I also reuse margarine tubs, mayonaise jars, etc. Guess I am almost as bad as grandma.

[AnnInLa]

96. thanks! Anyone come up with an idea about the "poop" issue?

I mean no longer using the plastic grocery bags when you gather up poop from the yard, or from the kitty-litter tray....and then disposing of the bag into your outside trash container??? I would appreciate your ideas...something other than paper bags? thanks

[mzmolly]

116. I agree!

I'm all ears. It might make for a good thread?

[Beaverhausen]

117. I found biodegradable poop bags here

http://www.pet-shop.net/html/bags4.html

scoll down a bit!

[mzmolly]

128. Cool!

:toast:

[MissB]

121. In the yards of some older homes, you'll see in-ground dog poop composters.

Here is a link showing you how to create your own in-ground dog poop composter (scroll down to the instructions) Seems pretty simple. I might have to try it! My neighbor has an old in-ground dog poop composter and I've always been envious. She has no dogs.

http://www.plantea.com/dog-waste-compost.htm

[mzmolly]

127. We actually had one, but it didn't work for our two large dogs.

Frankly it was disgusting. :( But, I applaud any attempt to use one, perhaps ours was a bad design? Fortunately we live in an area where the trash is burned for energy. So hopefully our dogs waste is helping somehow? LOL

[Sparkly]

98. Thanks, mzmolly!!

Great find! :hi:

[SmokingJacket]

103. Great!!!

After fifteen years of buying my own groceries, I have a massive collection of canvas bags -- about two dozen. I actually bought maybe five -- others just appeared in my life. But one thing I don't like is the way they don't stand up... yours are cool that way, very tidy...

I used to be the only loonball in the store with reusable bags -- now there are lots of people. :thumbsup:

[a kennedy]

123. I'm ordering ours right now.......

my husband does our shopping, I think I'll order blue for him, thanks mzmolly! :hug:

[JitterbugPerfume]

131. Thanks mzmolly!

I ordered some for me , and some as a gift for my sis! :hi:

[DesertRat]

138. I ordered mine on Ebay on Sunday

I paid about the same as you did. Can't wait to get them! I ordered in green. :)