This post was inspired by a tweet I came across this morning by Earth Fare in Knoxville, TN (@EarthFareKNX). Earth Fare is cutting out the use of plastic bags at their stores. This morning’s tweet links to their Tomato Talk blog, where they explain their decision.

About a dozen or so years ago I started using reusable bags for my grocery shopping. I have to admit that over the years there have been times when I’ve had good success with this, but most times not. My biggest challenge was actually REMEMBERING to bring my reusable bags with me. Often I would arrive at the store parking lot, and upon exiting the car, mentally kick myself for forgetting my bags AGAIN! Or sometimes, I’d remember to put my bags in the car, but I’d forget to take them into the store with me, only to remember once I was already checking out.

I doubt I’m the only person who is this forgetful when it comes to reusable bags. But I’m happy to say I’ve found a solution to my forgetfulness, and Earth Fare’s tweet inspired me to share.

Last year at a crafts fair in Honolulu, I came across these great bags you see in the photo. They fold up into little pouches that clip to your bag or purse. I never forget to bring my purse into the store, and now I never forget my reusable bags either. Because they clip to the outside of my purse, they don’t take up precious real estate on the inside. Not to mention I don’t have to hunt for them! And they are small–about 2″ x 4″ packed up–so they don’t get in my way as they dangle off the side of my bag. My favorite feature is one end of the carrying pouch clips to my purse and the other end snaps close, allowing super-easy access when I’m in the check-out line.

I believe these bags are made of nylon or some synthetic material which might not be ideal; but if they hold up for the long haul, then at least they’ll keep plenty of paper and plastic bags out of circulation. These bags seem pretty sturdy–I live within walking distance from the grocery store and I’ve never had a problem with a bag breaking or even fraying from toting home a jug of milk or other heavy items.

There are no tags in or on these bags, and I don’t recall the vendor I bought them from, but I’ve seen similar bags in stores here and there, with a price range between $6 and $9 per bag (at least here in Hawaii–I wouldn’t be surprised if you can find them on the mainland for less). They are a little pricey, but I’ve been using the same bag for over a year now, so I think it’s well worth it!

Now the next solution I need to find is reusable produce bags that I won’t forget to bring with me!