Green Canvas Bags or Plastic Bags?

The only thing holding me back from going greener is the need to go shopping. Last week I purchased 4 canvas tote bags for shopping. They aren't the cutest tote bags, but... is this a fashion statement or an environmental statement? My husband, daughters, or I go to the grocery store at least 3 times a week combined and are always leaving the tote bags at home. We just have to get those canvas tote bags in the car and remember to take them in the store with us.

I've heard others say that purchasing the canvas totes are a waste of money, but when I saw the bird totally wrapped in cellophane on the Oprah show I was through. There won't be any more plastic bags brought into my home as long as I can help it. I am actually going to purchase some more canvas totes and put them in my husband and daughter's cars and hopefully give them the momentum they need to use them in the grocery store.

When you think about it we are just a nation of followers. We wait until something becomes popular before we begin to use it. Maybe we can get Oprah to have whoever does her shopping use the canvas bags while they shop. I seem to remember seeing one with the "O" emblem. Then maybe she can give some out to her audience and make a plea to the public to start using them; and wa-la, plastic bags become a hideous item we used in our past. Oprah will have done her magic again! I just love Oprah. She is so down to earth and that's the person we need to speak to our nation about serious issues. Oprah is the person that gets people; young, old, and of all races to watch, listen, and react!

Let's get used to these new canvas bags. Canvas bags will stand upright in your car caddy.You can store them on a hook in your kitchen, pantry or garage. They can be washed as often as needed. They are very sturdy so you don't have to worry about your handle breaking or the bottom falling out on you. There have been plenty of times where I have had plastic bags filled with groceries split open before I get home.

Another green hint is to cut the cardboard bottom out of an old box to fit the bottom of the tote. Place it in the bottom of the tote, and your tote will stand upright. The most important green hint for your tote is to toss it in with your towels or dishtowels when you are doing the laundry. Make them a regular part of your house hold routine.

With proper care the canvas tote can be used as multi-purpose item for years. These are just a few uses for them you can also use them when clothing shopping, for carrying books, for transporting children's toys, for packing car lunches, for family outings and as garbage bags in the car. You just empty the bag, wash and reuse.