Top Ten Reasons to Shop with Reusable Canvas Bags
It's Not All About the Environment
Keeping in mind these caveats, there is still little doubt that reusable is better for the environment than paper or plastic.
Without further debate, here are the top ten reasons to shop with reusable canvas bags.
10.They come with cool designs on them, in your favorite colors, or even something like your favorite sports team's logo.
9. They don't break when they get wet like paper bags.
8. Eliminate having to find uses for all the paper or plastic bags you bring home. You can always use a few if you have a need for paper or plastic bags.
7. They make it easy to sack groceries.
6. Feel good about yourself knowing you are doing at least one green thing while shopping.
5. Canvas bags are less likely to break or spill. Some even come with zippers on the top.
4. They fit well into a vehicle.
3. With the will, and the strength, a whole lot of stuff can be fit and carried in one canvas bag.
2. They have handles!
1. You will look like an environmentally responsible person when you go shopping.
What about environmental reasons for taking reusable canvas bags shopping? Many studies, including a 2010 one concerning Toyota Prius buyers, show the main motivators for using green products are selfish ones. In fact, the Prius study, among others, found that the number one reason for eco-friendly behaviors is to enhance self-image. In other words, people want to look good to other people. This is why products advertised as green sell better when they are used in public. This is what is responsible for the canvas revolution.
That's my top ten reasons, feel free to suggest other reasons for ditching paper and plastic, or not, in the comments.
Published by Don A Shepard
Don writes for numerous online sources while conducting research for a Master's in Natural Resources/Environmental Management. He enjoys working on his urban homestead with his family, outdoor activities, mo... View profile
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24 Comments
Post a CommentI've found that these reusable bags are the way to go, much in part because of the reasons you suggest. While I catch some ribbing from colleagues (I work in trucking- not a group known to conform), I have discovered that the plastic bags they provide freely are just their way of having you dispose of their garbage for them. Besides, the reusable bags present a variety of uses.
I need to get with the program and start doing this. Thanks for convincing me!
It used to be illegal to go into a supermarket and put things into your own bag but now i guess its just called "Going Green"
Pat had a valid point and the stark truth is, as you mentioned, a lot of the motivation is and will be "appearance". So, it is not a simple solution or an easily implemented idea. However, as with any new idea, there will be growing pains. We will need a way to make using your own bags convenient and necessary, while making the use of plastic bags less "easy".
Very good topic. I have about ten of the reusable bags in my trunk. I gave 6 to my mom. She is 65, so set against quite the learning curve. I am trying to help her use them just like I remind myself to do. Like I said, there are ten in my trunk. They have actually made very few visits to the inside of a store. They still get used, however.
I just tell the cashier and bagger, "no bags please." I put everything back into the cart and bag it at my trunk, easy deal.
As Tyler mentioned, plastic bags are easier for a bagger. This is where I say, unapologetic-ally, "waah!" I hate to think of a minimum wage job being difficult. I am annoyed by baggers generating countless plastic bags and throwing in extra empty ones even because they are concerned about what is "easy". Two items in a bag is unacceptable. This is inspiring me to write an article myself. There is too much flowing into my mind for a comment to contain.
Pat had a valid point and the stark truth is, as you mentioned, a
Tyler, I sacked groceris in high school, all we had was paper then, canvas is about not sacking in paper. I sack my own groceries in canvas and have no problems, and they are way easier for me as a customer to carry, so sorry not much sympathy there.
Patricia my sollution would be to get at least the paper bags you need. I think paper is better tahn p;lastic, after all their are sustainable forestry practices, and a few bags here and there aren't going to end the world.
As a bagger, I would like to say that I absolutely hate this canvas bag revolution. With plastic, its extremely easy to drop a few items in the bag, tear the bag off the hooks, and then drop them in the carts. They stay open for you to load and stuff.
The canvas bags on the other hand are a hassle. Often times people dont give you the bags until half their groceries (or all) have already been scanned. This means you sit and wait while groceries pile up, making your job harder in the end. The canvas bags also dont stay open as easily as the plastic ones on the hooks
I agree with your points. However, I NEED paper bags to collect myy papers, mags, junk mail, etc.! I can't have recyclable bins all over my house, it's just not big enough. what's your solution for this?
I use them for a lot of stuff, they do hold up well.