The following tips are designed to help you make the switch from plastic to recycle bags.
How Many Recycle Bags?
When making the switch to recycle bags it is important to consider how many bags are needed. Obviously, larger families will need larger shopper bags and individuals who shop more frequently will need more bags than someone who only goes to the store once or twice a month.
In general, it is a good idea to buy between five and eight recycle bags. Shoppers who find they need more reusable bags can simply purchase more as they determine their personal needs.
Take It With You
While it is the most obvious point of becoming a reusable bag shopper, it is also the hardest part. Many shoppers find themselves forgetting their recycle bags when they head to the store. At least one reusable bag retailer, ITYSE.com, has found a way to cut down on the forgetfulness by designing a fashionable purse that also serves as a carrier for the recycle bags.
For those green shoppers who don’t have an iTsYE, it is a good idea to leave the reusable bags in a purse or vehicle so they are accessible for the next trip to the store.
Avoid Plastic In The Produce Aisle
Does a cantaloupe really need a bag? Making the switch to recycle bags also means being a responsible user of plastic bags in general. Most of us are accustomed to bagging all of the items in the produce aisle. However, there are several products such as bananas and vine tomatoes that don’t necessarily call for a plastic bag.
Guide The Courtesy Clerk
While the use of recycle bags is becoming increasingly popular, most courtesy clerks are not well versed when it comes to utilizing the bags. Before the cashier begins to ring up the day’s items, inform him or her that you prefer to use your mesh grocery bags. The cashier, in return, will either bag the items or communicate the desire to the courtesy clerk.
Encourage the courtesy clerk to utilize the recycle bags to their fullest potential. Tell the clerk the bags can hold more items than plastic bags and discourage the bagging of larger items altogether.
