How do I remember?
March 23, 2008
Yesterday, a woman stopped me at the grocery store and asked me how I remember to bring my own bags when I go shopping.
I wish I could say my answer was more interesting, but I simply told her that my bags are just so cute that I love to shop with them. It’s true. Me, the queen of Untrendy, actually has something so cute that it motivates me. And you thought it would never happen.
Before I received my Envirosax for Christmas last year, I, too, constantly forgot to bring my own bags to the grocery store. My first idea was to just bring the old plastic bags with me each trip. That didn’t work. Then, I decided that I would start purchasing the $0.99 Store Brand bags; one per trip. Well, that didn’t work either. The bottom line is, those bags, while Earth-friendly, are ugly and boring. There is no incentive to bring them with you. Why would anyone remember to bring a boring, brown bag with them when they went shopping? Not me. Despite my best efforts, I never remembered to bring my own bags even once before I got my Christmas present. I would always remember sometime around the bananas that I forgot again.
Then I got my Envirosax for Christmas from my sister-in-law. And they are just so damn cute that I can’t help but want to show them off. I even admit that I feel slightly smug when I carry my groceries out, slung over my shoulder in super cute, trendy, re-usable bags. (All this trendiness pulled off by a person who goes shopping in her pajamas.) And really, besides feeling smug and better than the average grocery shopper, I really like my bags. They never break or get holes punched in them. They hold a lot of stuff. (For example, I have six bags, and only yesterday did I finally use all of them at the same time, but that was about $100 in groceries and there was still more room.) The strap is big enough that I can throw the bags over my shoulders, which allows me to carry a lot more at a time. I freakin’ love these things. I guess the only thing I dislike is that I can’t use them for cat poop, which is what I did with my plastic grocery bags. Oh well.
So, that’s how I remember to bring my bags with me when I go to the grocery store. I have bags that I love.
And on a side note but also sticking with the environmental theme, in case anyone is wondering…I have been, ahem, practicing with my diva cup and have finally gotten to the point where I can’t feel it at all. It was the stem that was bugging me; and I first cut a tiny piece off, then learned how to maneuver the thing without the stem at all. Yesterday I went balls out and cut the rest of the stem off, so all I basically have is the cup. I swear it’s like nothing is up there. I am also confident that I have the suction technique down, but only time will tell. If you’re planning on getting one of these things, I definitely recommend practicing for a few weeks before the mess begins. I’m almost a pro and feel pretty confident that I could remove and insert it with no problems in a public restroom.
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized. Tags: diva cup, environment, going green, reusable bags.
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1.
Mermaid Mom | March 23, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I remember mine by keeping them on the same chair with my purse. When I get my purse/keys to go somewhere I just toss the bags in at the same time. There they are, in the front seat of the Scion, ready to go for the next shopping trip.
It does take a little while to make it a habit, but just thing of the oil and waste that we could save if everyone got into this! I have heard that California is banning plastic shopping bags. Haven’t confirmed that yet, but if it’s true–way to go, Arnold. I wish we’d all take up this simple habit! I have not seen one other person in my grocery store with reusable bags.
2.
jimthomp87 | March 23, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Okay, after such rave reviews I’ve got to see a picture of these bags. re-using bags is not something we’ve been doing, but we’re going to start, thanks to you.
JimT
3.
Caroline | March 23, 2008 at 8:40 pm
@JimT: Go to http://www. envirosax.com and you’ll find some nifty fun bags. They are a little pricey but they make good Christmas gifts!! I imagine you can find something cheaper (or even make them) but these are what I have.
4.
Sarah | March 24, 2008 at 9:09 am
So you got me curious so I went to look at the Envirosax (p.s. your link in the comment isn’t working.) They are adorable! My only question is do you have trouble cleaning them at all? I have visions of what might happen if a banana or tomato smashes inside, how would I get it clean?
5.
Caroline | March 24, 2008 at 9:18 am
@Sarah: I’ve never had to clean mine actually although now that I’ve said that, I am quite certain that my next container of eggs will explode. My thought is since they are made of a slick nylon fabric, you can probably wipe them down pretty easily, and I would definitely not hesistate to throw mine in the washing machine, either. They are quite sturdy.
Trying the link again:
http://www.envirosax.com
6.
Brian | March 26, 2008 at 4:18 pm
I’m glad you’re enjoying the bags. I don’t know if you shop at WM or not, but I’m wondering if you ever get the evil eye from the door greeter for bringing in your own bags?
Also, I loved this line:
(All this trendiness pulled off by a person who goes shopping in her pajamas.)
7.
Caroline | March 27, 2008 at 8:42 am
I’ve never really liked Walmart and avoid them at all costs, but after this incident, I just can’t see myself shopping there ever again:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/03/25/walmart.insurance.battle/
But that’s beside the point.
Not really an evil eye, but I get the feeling the baggers find my bags kind of annoying. They require being unsnapped and then you shake them out to get the bag to open up. I suppose it could be a little time consuming when they’re busy. Usually they are pretty friendly, though. Besides, I generally avoid prime shop times because of my wacky school schedule, so there’s rarely a long line to stress them out.
8.
sansoucy | April 7, 2008 at 5:33 pm
ugh, I always forget to bring my bags. . .that is an idea though. You can order your own custom bags from zazzle.com so I might just pay a little more and get some really click eco-friendly bags!