Show Your Green Heart by Carrying Canvas Shopping Bags

We are all very aware and concerned about our planet's limited resources and have all been asked the familiar, "paper or plastic?" question at the grocery store. Why not bring your own reusable canvas shopping bags? They are very sturdy, easy to carry and can hold lots of bulky items.

Where To Find Canvas Shopping Bags

A craft store is the best place to find canvas tote bags. They are available in several sizes and many colors. A major craft store is offering the bags in 3 sizes: Large 18-1/2" x 14" x 4" for $3.99, Medium 13.5" x 13.5" x 5.4" for $2.47, and Small 11" x 8.5" x 3" for $1.57. The large size is suitable for department store purchases, clothing, household items, and groceries. The medium size can be used for groceries and books, and the small size is perfect for purchases at convenience or drug stores. These bags can be purchased on-line as well as in your local craft store. Some of the available colors are white, natural, black, red, royal blue, denim.

Personalize Your Shopping Bags

Make a statement with your canvas bags and let others know how important it is to save our resources. There are many ways to personalize canvas bags: Sew on patches, use fabric markers, sew on or iron on lettering. Lettering can include your name or your children's names, a poem or bumper sticker type statement, "Go Green", endangered animals, fruits, vegetables, and name of your town. Another way to decorate your bag is by sewing on buttons, charms, ribbons or rick-rack.

How to Use Your Canvas Bags

The most important thing to remember is to always have your bags with you! Put together a kit containing an assortment of sizes and store them all in the largest tote. Keep your kit in your car so it is available when for even unplanned shopping trips. Carry your kit into the store with you and set it in your basket while shopping. While waiting in line to check out, open your kit and remove the bags you think you will need based on the size of your planned purchase. Simply hand the bags to the cashier when it is your turn. The store will appreciate this because they will have to buy less paper and plastic bags. When you arrive home, unpack your purchases and remember to reassemble your kit and place it back in the car. It will not be of any benefit if it is left on the kitchen counter!