Life Content // Things to Consider Before Buying Reusable Bags*

To some extent, all consumers are aware that using plastic bags to transport groceries is not good for the environment. Yet not everyone goes out to buy reusable bags and changes the way they grocery shop. The following are things to consider when you may want to change the way you carry groceries.

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Size
The size of the bags you use to carry groceries are the big factor in deciding between plastic bags and reusable bags. If you are shopping for items that are going to need a large reusable bag and require creative carrying techniques, the plastic bags the store offers may be your better option.

It is also important to think about where you are going to store these reusable bags.

Purpose
As noted above, the bags are going to be used for different things. Before you purchase the bags, you need to have an idea of what you plan to use each one for and whether a certain style or material is going to work well for that purpose.

Cost
Some reusable bags are only $1, which makes them very cost effective. However, they may not be the best size or the best style to carry groceries or transport your lunch to and from work. It is important to pick the size and style of the bag, in order to determine the budget you would need to invest in the number of bags you need in total. This allows you to understand what you are committing to the change and whether it is something you can accomplish now or something you need to work at over time.

Durability
The different styles of bags are available in different materials. This provides different levels of durability. It is important to consider how durable the bag is and also whether the design will stand up to repetitive carrying tasks of heavy groceries or other purchases. There are some reusable bags that are damaged easily, and these might be the perfect style for you to carry, but they aren’t worth the investment.

Hassle Factor
At this point, we need to be honest with ourselves. No matter how good reusable bags are for the environment, if you aren’t going to carry them with you and use them on a regular basis, they are a wasted expense. For people who are juggling busy schedules or are parents who have younger children in tow when they have to go get groceries, the extra task of remembering reusable bags may just be too much to add on to the regular tasks. This is understandable. Maybe this point in your life is not ideal for the use of these bags. However, you can always opt to change the way you transport your groceries at a later date in life.

Keeping the environment healthy may be the biggest reason you opt for reusable bags, or carrying bags that are fresh and provide a clean method to transport your produce may be the reason for you. Whatever the reason, it is important to consider the various factors before you opt to buy and commit to use the reusable bags.