Beyond the environment, there are several other benefits to using an eco-friendly bag. Reusable Bags can carry at least twice as much as most shopping bags. Reusable bags are easier to carry, typically having long, soft, fabric handles that are easy on the hands and are easy to put over your shoulder, leaving your hands free for other things such as holding your child’s hand as you walk through the busy parking lot. Many bags are made from environmentally friendly fabrics, such as hemp or recycled cotton and are non-toxic and non-allergenic. Additionally, reusable eco-friendly bags are washable and are made from strong fabric that will last for many years.
Free Grocery Bags Not Free
Finally, many stores today offer credits for shoppers that bring their own bags instead of using plastic or paper. Although grocery stores offer bags for “free” the truth is that these bags are not free. Grocery stores have to pay for the bags and pass those costs on to the consumer via higher prices on items in the store. Since people that bring their own bags in to the store aren’t using the plastic bags, the store is able to provide a credit to the customer as a means to make up for the higher priced items. Typically this is not a huge credit, $0.10 per bag for example. However, the point is that over time, the reusable bag will pay for itself and in the long run and could actually save you money on groceries.
