A sturdy, reusable bag for shopping or running errands is an everyday essential to avoid single-use plastic bags. Especially considering that an estimated five trillion plastic bags are used each year. On average, a plastic bag is used for about 12 minutes before being discarded. Only approximately 10 per cent of plastic bags are recycled each year, leaving 90 per cent to litter our landscapes or pollute our oceans, where they can join floating garbage patches. Plastic bags usually take around 20 years to decompose and during this time, they break down into tiny pieces called microplastics, posing further harm to wildlife and ecosystems
How to avoid single use plastic bags
It’s easy to avoid plastic bags with a little bit of preparation. Here are a few of my favourite ways to transport food:
A large washable bag with smaller cloth and net bags
For a big shop, I take a large, strong tote bag. Inside it, I keep small, empty cloth bags and netting bags. Some of these are repurposed, like a bag that once held a double duvet cover. These bags are fully reusable and can be washed at high temperatures for better hygiene. They’re also compact, lightweight, and simple to store.
Tiny pop-out bags
Always having a bag to hand is useful. If I’m carrying a small handbag, I keep a compact, foldable bag tucked inside. A pop-out bag saves me from being caught out when I need to grab something on the go.
General tote bags
Generally, I’m a fan of large, spacious tote bags. They’re great for multi-use, efficient, and work for almost any occasion. My favourite day-to-day bag is made from an old Thai rice sack. I love the creativity and the fact that it’s been upcycled from a waste product into something new and useful.
How to avoid forgetting your shopping bags?
Having a variety of reusable shopping bags in different locations helps me stay on track. Once you’ve unpacked your shopping, return the empty bags to their usual spots, whether inside a bag, jacket pocket, by the door, or with your coats, in the car, or in a bicycle basket.This will help you develop a routine that makes every shopping experience a bit more sustainable.
What is your favourite type of reusable bag to use when shopping? Let us know in the comments below!
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