What reusable bags do you recommend?

i just have a generic canvas bag from walmart-but to be honest,for heavy things like cat litter bags or cans,i use my backpack.a lot easier for me and better balanced.i'm not hunched over while trying to walk home.

I never even heard of "Chico" bags before to be honest and just looked it up...that would be a great idea...another alternative of course is good ole fashioned canvas tote bags. You can get plain canvas tote bags near dirt cheap from craft websites....I get them and paint them up with a Native American design on them Okay that solves the problem of using too many plastic bags from stores...mmm...now the question...what about plastic garbage bags though?

WAY back in the dark ages, the former roomie and I tried to do the ecological thing and use cloth bags. I bought one, took it to my mom's and, with her help, I made 4-6 of them. I THINK I know where 2 of them are - but I'm not sure. The former roomie used the HECK out of them taking stuff to work and back in them. In fact, I think I threw one away because it had a hole - probably didn't tell her that, because she'd've wanted me to try patch it. I keep meaning to track at least one down for her to use at her place. Not shopping, but carting things around with her walker.

If you are handy with macrame, you could make your own bags, as big or as small as you want. Wal Mart is starting to sell reusable bags which are made from recycled plastic bottles and are, themselves, 100% recyclable. I still use the plastic bags, though. They are pretty handy for cleaning the cats' litter box.

I think using reusable bags is a great idea, I just purchased mine from Walgreens last week. They were only .99. So far I have used it everyday. I like the bag, it is also made from recycled materials. They also give you a nice steardy insert to put on the bottom, to help give it strength and form. I am thinking I may get several more now, just because they are a pretty nice tote for so cheap.

It's a good thing you asked because I'm also looking for a nice bag so that I won't use plastic. I believe that global warming is more apparent now than ever. Small things like this do make a change in our society in one way or another. I'll monitor this topic because I'd love to learn about the options we have out there. I kinda like the "I am not plastic" model though!

Actually I was just thinking of this the other day and because of the expensiveness of some of the reuseable bags online and other places, I have thought of making them myself I am just trying to figure out what type of material to use right now. They should be a easy project to undertake. I keep hearing about all the plastic that is never recycled and just tossed around so like you I might be only one person but I can try to change my own habits if not someone elses and maybe that small change might be a small help someway. I am thinking burlap is good and sturdy but I will have to check it out. I would have to make about 20-40 bags depending on how often I would be able to get to the store since I don't get often since I don't own a car and have to hire someone to take me. But one small step for alot of us might make a leap for the earth.

I live in Canada and in the area where I live most grocery stores and the bakery where I shop charge for plastic bags. They also sell tote bags (very attractive, black and green) for $ .99. These bags are made from recycled material. The organic food markets sell bigger bags also made from this material for 1.99. You can cut down quite a bit on plastic bags. I agree you need some but not that many. I also have some great cloth bags which I got in Europe. Usually as a free promotion item with the logo of the store or pharmacy. I am not familiar with Chico bags. I have a friend who is a quilter. She made herself this magnificent tote bag and never leaves home without it. Myself I prefer the cloth bags made from cotton or linen. I roll one up and put it in my purse before going out. It has come in handy many times.

I checked out the chico bag website! Very nice. And I love the idea that they help you recycle your chico bag if you no longer want it, so that it doesn't end up in the landfill. Very responsible!

What I have used before is gift bags to carry my lunch in. You can buy real pretty ones from the dollar store and can use them many times before they wear out.

Unfortunately, I know nothing of reusable bags. I just want to wade into your discussion. I think that reusable bags especially recyclable and biodegrable bags would be best for the environment and the economy. Everyone needs bags but they do become a nuisance after a while when they keep on piling up.

I got some lovely string bags on the internet once which I still use as they are so light that I can keep on ein my handbag all the time. The best reusable bags I have though were home made. They're easy to make, and there are lots of patterns on the internet. Old curtain fabric is superb for bags as it's very sturdy. Some curtain material which I wouldn't want as part of my decor makes great fabric for bags as the designs are so big and bold.

Well, In Australia, there's these bags at Woolworths and Coles that they sell that are really sturdy and re-usable bags for like, 50c each. They're called something green bags, I can't remember what. We got a few around the house, we use them every now and again. But, we always re-use our plastic bags.

hello angel, i recommend those bags, that are strong and biodegradable so that when it broke either due to age or accidental wrekcage, still it would be just a trash.. love environment, digerati

i recently got a flyer in the mail that if i go to IKEA store with the flyer, they will give me a free IKEA blue reusable bag. so i might do it for fun this weekend.

Well im in the UK,and ive got a couple of hard wearing reusable bags and they are excellent.They were just a few pence ecah but I use thenm all of the time.I agree the carrier bags get really scruffy looking very quickly and sometimes they tear.We were reusing the carrier bags for when we took the dog out,but then most of them arent biodegradle,so they never rot away.So we ahve started to use nappy bags when we take the dog out,because they rot away.Many of our supermarkets are now rationing the carrier bags out,and you have to ask them for extra,at one or two stores we have to pay for them.But there are still the expensive supermsarkets that give them away freely.Are these Chico bags made of hessian?ive sent for a freebie bag from the internet,and thats made of a hessain type material.But I sent for it ages ago and i mstill waiting for it ,but maybe the demand was high.

nice look, paper bags look more environmentalist , eehh.. theres nothing wrong with saving the earth its only the 3rd planet form the sun if it breaks we can always move to mars..