Reddit mentions: The best kitchen reusable grocery bags

>I am a master's student here in Germany, and would like to contribute in some way, if I can. Of course, money is a barrier for me(being a student and all), but what are some simple things that I can do as a student and also encourage my classmates to do ?

Basically all the things mentioned in the original post. Most of that is even going to save you money. Eat less meat, buy less pre-prepared and packaged food or coffee to go, generally just buy less stuff you don't really need....

Unless you are already keeping your house fairly cool consider turning the heating down just a tiny bit. Turning the heating down just one degree saves like 6% of energy a year, as far as I know. Take shorter showers. Take your own lunch to work/university in a reusable container, do the same with water.....

And my personal pet peeve: don't use the small clear plastic bags in the fruit and vegetable section of the supermarket. Unless you buy very small fruit like cherries they're just not necessary. You can buy three potatoes or four kiwis without any bag at all. And for the rare occasions when you really do need a bag you could even bring your own reusable ones like these: https://www.amazon.de/Earthwise-wiederverwendbare-Netztaschen-Obst-Gemüse/dp/B01M24RXF7/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1541065932&sr=8-4&keywords=obsttüte

Congrats!

1. When I complete an exercise or when my hubby smiles at me, tells me he loves me, or that I am beautiful :-) (i know, mushy stuff)
   
   
2. I want to get in shape because I want to be around for a long time for my kiddos and hopefully one day grandkiddos :-)
   
   
3. Drink lots of water!!! Here is a pedometer on amazon for $1.92 :-)
   
   Here is my cheap item :-)

Yessssssssss we love sharing values 💜 I Hope every bun owner sees this 🌍

Even better, 100% cotton ones are great for the enviro over the plastic-mesh ones such as these : https://colonyco.com/products/reusable-produce-bags

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Biodegradable-Recyclable-Packaging-Double-Stitched-Small-Medium-Large/dp/B074TBYVB3/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=reusable+produce+bags+colony+co&qid=1556119545&s=gateway&sr=8-1

wonder how many people on this sub are also waste conscious

I'm in a similar spot as you - trying to reduce my waste within the constraints of being a uni student. One of the first changes I made was buying these. You could make produce bags yourself if you're crafty, but I'm not and didn't have time to figure out how to do it. Also, relying on freezer bags is a lot harder if you just don't have them in the house. We stopped buying them, and although tupperware does take up more space in the fridge, I think it's worth it. You also save money that would have gone towards freezer bags.

For cheap cleaning rags I just cut up old clothes/sheets that are at the end of their life, and keep them in a bucket under the sink. It's easy to just grab those instead of paper towel for spills/wiping the table/counter tops/cleaning the bathroom, etc. We throw them in the wash when we have a lot of dirty ones. For napkins, I went to a local thrift shop and bought a bunch of plain cloth napkins. They're nothing fancy so I really don't mind them getting dirty (although they always come clean in the wash).

As for bathroom supplies, you can find relatively cheap shampoo bars, and I've found that they last me much longer than bottled shampoo. I get mine from Lush, but you can definitely get cheaper - I'd recommend checking Etsy for some homemade options.

I'm still working on bathroom products, especially face wash and moisturizer, but I know there are a lot of diy tutorials online. Good luck! I've learned that even baby steps are important steps :)

Happy birthday to your brother, Sam I Am! I hope he has a wonderful birthday!

I would like to enter to win this super inexpensive reusable bag, please! Thank you for the contest!

LOVE THIS.

So at my house we have an assortment of like grocery bags, they're all sizes and materials. Just whatever's been acquired over the years. I do prefer the ones with a more structured box shape for groceries and keep the foldable ones for my purse/backpack/car for unplanned shopping or non-grocery shopping.

For produce, we use either net or mesh bags. I prefer the bigger net type bags usually. Sometimes for more leafy-fragile items I prefer the mesh ones. But everything is machine washable, so stains aren't a worry!

For items such as beans, chocolate chips, basically medium sized, dry items (rice is too small), I like to use cotton bags. Then I don't have to worry about the Tare and they're generally easy to fill up from those dispenser things. For the BIN # of these ones, I just write it down in my phone usually, I've heard you can use pencil right on the cotton though!

For items that would either get stuck in the seams of those bags or are dirtier or almond butter, I use glass jars. My grocery store is nice and I just had to weigh my jars once, they wrote it with Sharpie and I've just kept rewriting that weight whenever it washes off. Then I bring a chalk marker (I've had some laying around from crafting), and write the BIN on the top. It's nice cause my chalk markers are white and the sharpie is black so at the register I just tell the cashier, the tare's in black and bin's in white!

I also have a funnel for the glass jars that have a smaller mouth because I've made a mess in the aisle one too many times.

If I'm not bringing more than 1-2 glass jars, I can keep all of these items in a small grocery bag. I simply fold the grocery bags and lay them flat against one side, then put in the glass jars, then in the cracks put all the produce and bulk bags.

My house is pretty small, and our kitchen is right at the front door, so I just leave all our bags (produce, shopping, and bulk) in a large bag on the counter next to the door. All our glass jars are kept in the cupboard right by the door, so before my trip while making a list, I'll take out the right containers and put them in! If I end up with too many glass jars for the bag, I just take out a bigger grocery bag as my bag holder.

Java blend let's you bring in containers to fill with beans. They can grind your coffee beans too. Lush has shampoo bars. I love using Classico jars bc they have measurements on the side. I try to get as much as I can at the Bulk Barn. I'm still in the transition phase so it's a work in progress. I bought [these] (https://www.amazon.ca/Bekith-Pack-Premium-Reusable-Produce/dp/B07282FN24/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?crid=3DK23P9AUEPCX&keywords=produce+bags&qid=1554681048&s=gateway&sprefix=produce&sr=8-6) on Amazon. Also, IKEA has great reusable bags that are only like a dollar each. Good luck!!

One thing I should've mentioned... run this idea past your sister/MOH first, in case she's doing something already similar to this. Just say something like "I want to make a little something for everybody as a Thank You, what do you think of ____?"

And since your sister would "know" what your idea is for the rest of the girls, and because she is planning this, get her something extra or different as a Thank You :) Maybe like a necklace, fav perfume, wristlet, gift card to her fav store, OR an extra large bottle of wine haha. Besides the alcohol, Amazon (Prime, if you have) is awesome in terms of your timeline right now.

Not sure what your budget is, but here are some ideas:

Gift Bags

Totes

Temp Tattoos

Hair ties


Have fun!

WTH...

Girl. You are a SAINT!!! I can’t believe you allow your MIL to cohabitate with your family. K U D O S!!!

It definitely seems like she is trolling you. This is absolutely ridDONKulous since you are letting her live with you free and clear.

I have no idea your arrangement. However, there is NOTHING that anyone could do for me that would entice me to provide these conditions for them.

Your MIL is one LUCKY lady.

So. For starters: I would post on the refrigerator a list of vegan acceptable items. She can’t feign ignorance when educated by your very informed self.

Also. Gently put a stop to the plastic bag-gate. How easy is it to get reusable fabric bags? Go here: https://www.amazon.com/grocery-totes-bags-shopping-reusable-bags-Ripstop-washable-foldable-Lightweight/dp/B07H93KK92/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1549348516&sr=8-15-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=reusable+shopping+bags+40+lb&psc=1

I regularly bike also, but I'm usually carrying a bag backpack in my basket when I do.

These fit nicely in a pocket, and I clip them on to my bike basket/rack regularly when empty. Disregard the price here- if you look around they can be gotten for free pretty easily. We have 6-8 cloth or Chico shopping bags, and I've never paid for any of them. Some of my bags are even lighter and more compact than these- like the weight of a handkerchief.

Pugs are awesome! The little snorty noise they make makes my heart happy. :)

Reusable grocery bag that looks like a strawberry!

Not vegetarian for environmental reasons but of course I do. I bring my own little cloth bags for the produce and I buy a good amount of bulk items as well. It's difficult at first because you are changing a habit, but now that it's habit I rarely ever think about it. People actually ask about the produce bags regularly. I use something like this. But of course I still buy a lot of products that come in non recyclable plastic and other wasteful stuff. My philosophy has always been to do the best I can but not make myself crazy over things like this.

Oh, sorry! xD

I got them on Amazon too: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Ecology-Organic-Cotton-Produce/dp/B004UJ0U0C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498257058&sr=8-1&keywords=simple+ecology

So far they are ok. Solid 3.5/5. Supposedly you can keep greens in there if you dampen the bag but mine always get wilted, so I just chop them up as soon as I get them and put them in a bowl in the fridge. Bonus: they're pretty handy for bulk stuff like lentils and stuff too.

Not OP, but this is the brand I bought off Amazon. I absolutely love mine, they're really great and make me feel so much better about buying produce!

Aww, poor thing!

Yeah, going zero-waste at normal grocery stores is a drag and so much harder than you would think. If you're open to advice, I'd say get some lightweight produce bags online (you can get solids or mesh, and you'll want solids if you're getting dusty things like oatmeal) and use those instead. No tare-ing, no breaking of glass, no waste, everyone's happy. All I do is fold the little print out with the weight and price along the string, and then rip it off when I get home. You pay a tiiiiny bit extra, since the tare scale usually reduces your price by the weight of their available bags, but it's less work for everyone.

You're also way braver than I am. I've yet to venture into asking for meat in my own container. I get nervous just thinking about it...

Anyway, I promise your next experience will be better! We all have moments like that-- it's part of doing something the rest of the world doesn't. You'll have better luck next time!

Edit: This is the kind of thing I'd get for dusty stuff

And this is what I use for everything else

Congrats on the Vroom vroom.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008U1SBN4/ref=aw_ls__3?colid=368F5J8P3BJ0&coliid=I20DP3SPF1KBU4 this grocery bag is super cute and handy.

Or, the kids would really enjoy these puppets http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0057MGKO6/ref=aw_ls__1?colid=368F5J8P3BJ0&coliid=I3I8K4YNOL6OH1

I bought these off Amazon, they're great... cheap, strong, and they fold easily to fit in my purse so I never forget them.

Grocery Bags Shopping Reusable Foldable Totes Constellation 5 Pack Ripstop Navy Bags Bulk 50LBS Large Cute Bags Eco Friendly Fabric Sturdy Washable Waterproof Black Teal Gray Purple Navy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KHRKHWY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_PqPJDbZNAAC77

I realize I'm in the minority here, but I really don't like this for so many reasons including:

• the 10x increased waste / transport cost of paper bag replacements
  
• the sheer convenience of free plastic bags and their myriad advantages over paper: light, handles, waterproof (as a parent this is huge), airtight
  
• Currently the grocery store is the place where I recycle much of the mailer packaging I receive from online shopping, popped VacPacs and whatnot. You'll see a message on them that says "recycle with plastic bags". If the grocery store no longer uses plastic bags what incentive is there for them to keep and empty those recycle bins?
  
• government overreach; I'm as liberal as they come but freedom is f-cking important. Bans are serious business.
  
  For those that need plastic bags here's a link to the ones I have purchased. If you time it right you can get 900 for $10.

If you're already bringing your own bag, add a set of produce bags like these to keep in your bring-along bag, and use those for any produce/bulk item as needed. It's easy to just leave a handful in the bottom of your canvas tote. They wash well if they get dirty, and should help you eliminate the smaller plastic produce bags.

Bulk deli-style containers are orobably the second-biggest 'waste reducer' I've found; in the past I'd put leftover raw foods into a Ziploc or sandwich bag to store in the fridge, but never had much luck cleaning and re-using the bags. These are much handier, easier to clean, and are immensely helpful just from an organizational standpoint. Also can be used for bulk items if you plan ahead and bring them along.

Hooray for the idea to spread the love! (Awkward sentence, I know, but I had to force it to get the tense right...)

This reusable bag on my 'Pretty Shines' list is adorableness embodied!

I use these too. Amazon link for those interested. They're washable and don't add much weight to your produce at checkout. I'm not really concerned about the weight, but a cashier at my local grocery store wanted to make sure I wasn't getting over charged, so she weighed each of my bags and wrote the weight on each of the tags so it can be subtracted at checkout. Pretty cool of her.

I would love this pocket watch necklace and adorable ! Strawberry bag! :)

I love to spread the love! This bag is only $1.08 =]

I got some off of Amazon similar to these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H93KK92/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1RJBCb7E32M7D

They’re machine washable, pretty big, durable, and fold up small enough to stick in a pocket or purse when you go to the store.

I don’t trust them quite enough to fill to their advertised capacity (50lbs seems extreme) but I use them pretty regularly both for the grocery store and non-grocery things like as beach bags (towels, shoes, etc).

Unfortunately, work has got me out of town for the best part of the next 3 weeks but I can lend some helpful advice. Get yourself a brew bag first off, there are several brew shops in town that have them, you can also use an old pillow case if you'd like. Then get a 5 gallon bucket from home depot. Line the bucket with your bag and scrape all your honey, wax and all off the frames into it. Then string up your bag and let the honey filter through it into the bucket. You can speed up the process by running a heater over it. You'll end up with a bag full of wax and a bucket full of raw honey. I like it with a little wax, if you don't you can further filter it as needed.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00XSHEJ90/

I highly recommend this company. I bought that set and one of the bags hadn’t been stitched correctly and the seams were splitting. I wrote to the company about getting a replacement bag and they sent me an entire new set. They were very apologetic and gracious. Plus the bags are great.

A saddle stitch book is the most basic type of bind. You basically grab a stack of papers, fold it in half (a bone folder helps with this step) and staple.

A long reach stapler is great for this type of bind because if you're making a wide book you don't have to crease and bend your notebook to get to the center.

You can also use thread to bind the book together and for that you'll need an awl. (see diagram) A punching cradle makes this method easier.

Bonus: If you want to make the edges even and professional looking you can chop it in a book guillotine. The drawback to this is that your book won't be a standard size because you'll be shaving fractions of a inch off.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B071ZNFVMD/ref=psdcmw_1252210011_t1_B07D3BC53M



This is what I have. Helps everything although I wouldn’t submit this unless you want Costco order.

But I like it when I do long drive 10-15min to the customer. I still buy bags when needed but if it’s just for beverages I don’t buy bags at the grocery store. I save customers money

Also get a big tote to help transport so you don’t. Have to go back and forth to your car

For produce, just buy some reusable bags. These are cheap on Amazon right now, though delivery is like a month+:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B002UXQ7QQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DstnDbRFYWTS4

Then bulk Barn allows you to bring your own containers.

Most meat departments will wrap your stuff in paper versus plastic, so while not zero waste, it's still better.

I agree though with the sentiment; would love zero waste options to be more prevalent.

I feel like all biology teachers have a closet full of those microorganism plushies, haha! I made a similar comment in another thread, which I'll repost here:

• MiiR water bottle - Or any nice, reusable water bottle. With MiiR, each purchase comes with a tracking number (printed on a small silver medallion) so you can see how your contribution is helping fund a charitable project. I think mine helped fund a clean water facility in Africa.
  
• Compost bin
  
• Energy efficient lights (I was going to link a lightbulb, but that's kind of a weird gift.)
  
• Reusable shopping bags (some come in very cute designs)
  
• A plant - Maybe an indoor plant which she can keep in the classroom if she wants. You can get a nice pot for it too!

Feel better by Friday! :( Lord. I'm sorry. You of all people deserve to feel good. You make delicious-looking bubble gum chapstick and I just want to hug you and go to your kitchen and watch you make things and ooh and ahh appropriately, etc etc. Really tho. Teach me your secrets. :( I need to buy some of your polish one of these days. I feel like your secret admirerer who is too bashful to say anything.

This to put on my keys would be great.

Fabric grocery bags. Cheap, easily replaceable, and fit Ticket to Ride sized boxes perfectly. The people that are spending $50 - $200 on bags are nutso.

Specifically, I've been using these: https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Reinforced-Handle-Grocery-Large/dp/B00B8DIFFK?ref=ast_p_ep

$1.80 a pop and I've only had one or two break in years of abuse by overstuffing them with games. Plus you get to choose your color! No stretch goals required.

If you're taking enough games to an event that one or two of these bags can't carry them all, you're taking too many! Bring the games that you intend to play, not the games that you may hopefully play.

Amazon! They have the tare weight on the tag, too!
Colony Co. Reusable Produce Bags, Natural Cotton Mesh is Biodegradable, Recyclable Packaging, Machine Washable, Durable, Double-Stitched Seams, Tare Weight on Label, Set of 9, Small-Medium-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074TBYVB3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_86UCCb7V6NHNR

I hope the link works :)

1. Yes because they are more water efficient than washing by hand when you run a full load. You can DIY soap, here's a great recipe: http://eco-boost.co/diy-zero-waste-dishwasher-powder-that-actually-works/
   
   
2. I have reusable produce bags that I love. I have two sets of them and I bring them for produce on every grocery run now. These are the ones I have: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XSHEJ90/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
   
3. I use Tiger Balm (comes in a glass bottle with a metal cap and can be reused for other things after it runs out) on my more mild headaches by just rubbing it into my temples. As far as I know/have seen, pain killers don't come in non-plastic packaging so I just resolve to buy in bulk. I just recently bought a bottle of 500 ibuprofen tablets that expire sometime in 2020. Then I just keep some in a repurposed glass jar in my desk at work, some in a repurposed tube in my purse, and the rest at home. Instead of buying more bottles of smaller amounts, just buy in bulk for medicine so you only have one bottle as opposed to a half dozen or whatever. I do the same for allergy pills.

Hi all! I saw this big discussion on reusable produce bags and must recommend these as I love them so much! I would also imagine any other similar mesh bag would work well too!

Earthwise Reusable Mesh Produce... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005E2QRPG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Good luck! Hope you get the job!

stawberry bag!

It's a small step but I invested in reusable shopping bags, and reusable produce bags. I feel like the produce bags keep my veg fresher longer, and it definitely has reduced my plastic use with how much produce I buy as a vegan. I use the produce bags for most of my bulk buying as well, then just transfer the bulk stuff into big jars when I get home.

My fiance and I have a set of these from Norwex, his sister is a consultant and we got some at a party she had last year, among some other products (which are really nice). But looking on Amazon I found some that have a lot of reviews and have a high overall star rating:

https://www.amazon.com/flip-tumble-Reusable-Produce-Bags/dp/B002UXQ7QQ

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XSHEJ90/ref=psdc_1252210011_t1_B002UXQ7QQ

Which reminds me that I'd like to pick up some more. Thanks!

Another reusable bag, 'cause you know, earth friendly and stuff.

FEEL BETTER. I haven't been feeling good at all lately, so i know what you mean. :/ Hopefully you get better soon~

This cute shopping bag is only $1 :) chickencone


thanks for the contest!

Thanks for the fun contest!!

• funf
  
  
• vier
  
  
• drei
  
  
• zwei
  
  
• eins
  
  
• Hootie!

I use fabric totes that I fold up and put in a smaller tote. I also have freezer bags that I fold up and put in a larger freezer bag. My tote of regular bags can also go in the large cooler bag with the other cooler bags. That way, if I need both types of bags, I just grab the big cooler bag, but if I don't need cooler bags, I can just pull out the totes bag. I keep some fabric produce bags in the totes bag for produce I want bagged.


I wash my bags if they get funky or after several trips. I do not use canvas bags because they wrinkle like crazy after a wash. I use bags similar to these (but not those exactly) that can be purchased at places like Walmart or a grocery store for $1 - $2. I like the size for big grocery trips. Once everything is put away, we just fold the bags and put them back in the tote by the front door.



If you have any coolers for camping or milk delivery, you can use those in your car instead of cooler bags. Use what you have before buying something new. Sometimes I use my coolers instead of taking the cooler bags, especially if I can't come straight home from the grocery store. I'll put some ice packs from the freezer in the coolers before I leave home to make sure the interior of the coolers stay colder longer.

PUGS ARE AWESOME. Do you want to see my pug? Here she is sleeping!

Sorry, yeah, item too.

You might be interested in something like this - they roll up pretty small and have a carabiner so you can just clip them to whatever or carry them in whatever. I've got something similar and just clip them to my belt loops.

$1.08 (free shipping)

Congrats on quintuple ones... go celebrate with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!

You could also buy or make produce bags - which are just thin reusable bags that you can fill up with your fruits and veggies if you don't want others touching them. You could sew something like this out of old fabric.

With the deli - you can try to ask them if they will put it in your tupperware but be aware they may say no due to health restrictions.

And it definitely is a lot!! Just try to remember that every small step you take to reduce waste is an improvement :)

[Item] (http://www.amazon.com/Strawberry-Reusable-periodic-Recycling-Shopping/dp/B008U1SBN4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1L8ON2MX2QPTV&coliid=I22AA9OXLED9TB) and [here] (http://imgur.com/KSVQQga) is my funniest picture. It is of me when I taught in Korea. One of the art projects involved putting lipstick on the little kids so they could "kiss" the paper and make flowers. The little boy loved the pink.

For those of you, like me, who are going to miss having the versatile plastic shopping bag, you can buy 900 of them at Amazon for about $25. Those stupid small garbage bags cost about $46 for 360 of them; what a rip-off! And they don't have handles!

http://www.amazon.com/Inteplast-Group-THW1VAL-Thickness-Thank/dp/B004MDM6LC

And it says "Thank you! Have a nice day!" I like that.

I purchased these quart size from Amazon: Link

I like the clear because you can see thru them for identifying what foods are inside and if you're not good about cleaning, you'd see any gunk. They also sell them in snack bag size too: Link

Also, I know you didn't ask for this but putting it here in case anyone else finds it useful. Reusable produce bags: Link

I use this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PX893Q/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Great product: 5/7 would recommend

BLARG NUGGETS :-)
Great contest!

Honestly a lot of environmental impact can be reduced by "Joe Shmoes" like us. Taking steps to reduce how much we consume and reusing what we can adds up, especially when it comes to single use containers. Invest in a reusable cup, straw, and bags and you easily cut out a significant part of your contribution to plastic waste (not to mention discounts for using your own cup/bag). You can even get reusable produce bags.

I agree it takes political power to stop corporations from capitalizing off of the environment and dumping CO2 into the air, but that's where we can step in as well and vote for politicians that will fight for those ideals. This is especially effective at the local level as waste management is often dictated by state, county or even city.

As for the trashtag hashtag, it was positive to an extent, but all of that trash still ends up in a landfill that compounds our issues. To speak to OPs point, if we crowd funded research initiatives or support organizations that are genuinely working to create a more sustainable future like people are for the Notre Dame, leaps and bounds could be made.

Everything said, it's still a devastatingly sad day for France and the world.

TL;DR Make a difference, cut out single use containers, and start with reducing and reusing BEFORE recycling.

This Apology Notepad for $4.50 or this strawberry shopping bag for $1.01

Awesome Randomly Random stuffs!!!

This shopping bag is exactly $1!

My favorite pokemon is charmander :)

We still like you! Thanks for the contest! I think this little bag is so cute!

I bought two different sets of 6 bags each that come in mixed sizes from Amazon. I’ll include the links below. I washed and air dried them before use. Love them.

Simple Ecology Reusable Organic... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UJ0U0C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share


Reusable Produce Bags - Organic... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074Z6DV26?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I can get DD bags cheaper, around $4 or $5 at the local office, but considering mine only lasted two weeks, you can kinda see why I didn't bother buying another one. Plus it really sucks for Denny's and IHOP orders which are usually wider than the bag, so I got these: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B071ZNFVMD which have held up well. And remember, if you have a Discover card (and likely other cards), it's possible to get your stuff from Amazon for free.

I have these and I really like them. It's fairly easy to see what is in the bag and they are machine washable!

Inteplast Group THW1VAL 12.5 Mic Thickness, Thank You Bag (Case of 900) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B004MDM6LC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SMnjDbPQM48P2

I'll keep them in my car. Triple bag everything. When I'm done with them I might or might not shred them and put them in my compost bin. At the bottom of course. It will be fun coming up with ways to be maliciously compliant with these busy bodies.

Well, if it doesn't have to be shipped prime, then this plus this equals out to $1.44 with free shipping too.

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

Gift Bags

Totes

Temp Tattoos

Hair ties

---

^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

I bought these last year and have never looked back. I get compliments on them all the time! Highly recommended!!
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07282FN24/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TL7VCbMJ9Z5P1

This is the caddy

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006ICOT?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details

And fits perfectly in this bag

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZNFVMD?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details

I use these mesh bags for produce here. The cashiers at the grocery store always comment on how great they are!

Looks great! If I may suggest a way to use less plastic, I got some of these bags to use at the bulk bins and then transfer the food to glass jars (mostly recycled pasta sauce jars) at home.

Alright so I found something lol.


Strawberry Folding Shopping Bag

Power Puff Girls! :p


You can find the item on my WL titled The Island of Misfit Gifts

My parents couldn't afford much this year, so I bought presents for my little sisters (11 and 13):

http://i.imgur.com/Yrh3Q.jpg

The Harry Potter Boxed Set, The Hunger Games Trilogy Boxed Set, Percy Jackson Boxed Set, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh, Number the Stars, Bridge to Terabithia, The Graveyard Book, The Giver, A Wrinkle in Time, From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Pippi Longstocking, Howl's Moving Castle, Where the Red Fern Grows, Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Phantom Tollbooth, The Indian in the Cupboard, When You Reach Me, Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux, Where The Sidewalk Ends.

The gift of giving, feels good man. To keep them in good condition I covered them all in contact paper. I used this video guide to get it down, and a bone folder to smooth out the air bubbles. They are a little glossier, but will last for years. Same thing public libraries do with trade paperbacks.

I discovered that the reusable mesh bags in the produce dept of grocery stores weigh .3 ounces (less if you resewed them a little smaller) and are just as effective at helping me organize my bag as the heavier ones with plastic toggles that I used to buy. And they are so cheap. https://www.amazon.com/Earthwise-Reusable-Mesh-Produce-Bags/dp/B005E2QRPG

And now that i have my smaller quilt, I don't need to use the compression sack with all the buckles that I used for my bigger sleeping bag.

So I think a lot of it is re-thinking what you are using, and maybe looking in other places than just the outdoor equipment store for gear.

This is what I do as well. I have a 8gal stainless kettle that I mash in using this bag, and a separate 8gal kettle I heat the sparge water in. I usually mash around 1.3 qt/lb. I use the valve on the mash kettle to drain the wort post-mash, and then pour all of the sparge water in. Stir it, let it sit 5-10 minutes, drain that. Mix everything together and I'm good to start the boil!

I'm with you! I cannot stand waste in most forms but especially when cooking. I use these to buy produce: find here. Also, of course, tote bags are always helpful. Etsy has a lot of reusable cooking equipment for sale (e.g., coffee filters, reusable Saran Wrap).

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Hootie gosh those are so darn cute :)

Easier solution:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004MDM6LC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1409752063&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

They make really light reusable bags that can be folded to fit in your pocket, like these.

I have these reuseable mesh produce bags. I put all the greens into the mesh bag, put a folded paper towel in the bottom of the container and put the mesh bag of green back on top. The mesh bag keeps the greens from touching the plastic and allows better airflow around the greens, and the paper towel absorbs the excess moisture.

I use a similar method for all my other produce too. A head of lettuce will stay crisp this way for months (no joke!), same with chard and kale, carrots, zuchs, etc.

Done - look for lightweight tote bags on Amazon. They fold up really small but are really for carrying around smaller/lighter items which works for me for the spur of the moment type shopping. You're still going to need the heavy duty bags for Shop Rite. They are like these - https://www.amazon.com/Shopping-Reusable-Constellation-Waterproof-Lightweight/dp/B07KHRKHWY/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1549388989&sr=8-14&keywords=lightweight+shopping+totes

Yeah I still use the false bottom and the bag on top. Bag I got from Amazon was like $9.

I do wish it was a little longer so it could go over the sides a bit more, but it works as is.

I picked up a set of 5 reusable bags off Amazon that fold up pretty small so you can keep one or two in your backpack at all times. It was maybe $10 or so.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B06XG4HC3T

Didnt want to add to the older thread but I got some great reusable produce bags for under $20. Weigh next to nothing and I've washed before with no issues.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07282FN24/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_b3nRCb8DZJJV0

My fav bags came from Amazon in similar ways:

NZ Home 2 Pack Insulated Reusable Grocery Bags, Extra Large, Foldable, Stands Upright, Sturdy Zipper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZNFVMD/

I use these bags
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074TBYVB3/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


They're cotton and I love that they have the tare weights attached. The only con is that they're kinda expensive compared to other mesh bags out there and the largest size isn't that large. However they are very good quality.


I do have non mesh cotton bags for grainy things and moist veggies that have been sitting under the sprinklers. The veggies are sold by bundle so weight of the bag doesn't matter but if it's for bulk seeds and grains then i'll head to the cashier to get the tare weight for the bag before I shop. I just write it on my phone.

$1.01 and free shipping!

Hey, right now there are 4-packs of the same product for less than $20 on Amazon. Or... is that the same? There are also other brands which may be even cheaper. Thanks again for letting me know this exists.

I just bought 900 bags for 2 cents each on Amazon. Definitely not using any fewer bags than before.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MDM6LC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought bags that fold into itself so it fits in my small purse. I just have to remember to put them back into my purse after I get home. It happens most of the time. I love them, and have stopped collecting the plastic bags at home.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KHRKHWY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_o5iF3QGyImnEr

I paid like $11 for two from Amazon.

Edit: price went up but I've had them for seven months for three services and they are still holding up. There are also plenty of options on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B071ZNFVMD?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_pd_title

Oh yeah! One dolluh!

I really like these ones

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UXQ7QQ/ref=s9_acsd_hps_bw_c_x_1_w

Great job, but maybe cut back on the plastic?? There's no need to put produce in plastic bags. You could just not use them, or grab some reusable produce bags :)

Inteplast Group THW1VAL 12.5 Mic Thickness, Thank You Bag (Case of 900) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MDM6LC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MK4mybZEZR64A

I bought these cotton bags about a year ago and I use them for anything I buy in bulk (including oats). They work great because they aren't mesh so I can buy rice or other grains in them (I just tie the drawstring around the bag to completely close the opening). I haven't tried getting flour or sugar in them yet though. Another plus is that they can just get thrown in the washing machine when they're dirty!

Reusable produce bags. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002UXQ7QQ/ref=asc_df_B002UXQ7QQ5273462/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B002UXQ7QQ&linkCode=df0&hvadid=194842526382&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7169199487477543823&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011698&hvtargid=pla-312440656941

Plasti-mesh,take the Hydrapak seeker cap that you'll never use again, bore out a nice hole in the top, screw over mesh on Befree bag. These bags weigh less than half an ounce for the whole bag. If you cut it down to a small section, that + the Hyrapak cap might weigh in under a quarter ounce.

12+ Brews on one of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E5M8E6G/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and still going strong! no need to trash them, just get two of these in case the first one breaks on brew day.

I've used this LD Carlson one for the last two dozen brews: http://www.amazon.com/Brew-In-Bag-Straining-26/dp/B00E5M8E6G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417795617&sr=8-1&keywords=brew+in+a+bag

I got it from my LHBS from $10 and it's served me very well.

I recently ordered this one as a Xmas present as I'm due an upgrade and they had a BOGO deal for black friday:
http://biabbags.webs.com/

That is really cool, but may I suggest that when you need to get more, consider cotton mesh sacks? These bags have an ethylene blocker, which is why the fruit/veggies take longer to ripen. However, they trap condensation. Cotton mesh allows for the gas released by fruit/veggies, and won't trap condensation. Here's a link to a good website that has sustainable bags, but if that isn't a huge concern, you can get them cheaper on Amazon. I bought mine about 3 years ago, and they still work. Except for the one that got lost.

https://packagefreeshop.com/collections/bags/products/organic-cotton-net-produce-sack-large

https://packagefreeshop.com/collections/bags/products/drawstring-produce-bag-cotton-large

https://www.amazon.com/Biodegradable-Recyclable-Packaging-Double-Stitched-Small-Medium-Large/dp/B074TBYVB3?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_5

https://www.amazon.com/Earthwise-Reusable-Mesh-Produce-Bags/dp/B0711M2L88?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_4

Get some of these for your fruit and vege. We also got a few of the reusable bags from Alosra for our main groceries. Very sturdy and reliable. Just got to make sure you remember them :D

So does amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Inteplast-Group-THW1VAL-Thickness-Thank/dp/B004MDM6LC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412144402&sr=8-1&keywords=Inteplast+Group+THW1VAL

Why don't you use reusable produce bags like these? You might pay a few extra pennies since they're very slightly heavier than plastic, but not by much.

I use these. I like that they are transparent, makes it less confusing for checkout people at the grocery store.

https://www.amazon.com/Earthwise-Reusable-Mesh-Produce-Bags/dp/B005E2QRPG

Amazon provides...http://www.amazon.com/Inteplast-Group-THW1VAL-Thickness-Thank/dp/B004MDM6LC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412107636&sr=8-1&keywords=plastic+grocery+bags

https://www.amazon.com/purifyou-See-Through-Polyseter-Multi-Purpose-Organizing/dp/B00XSHEJ90/ref=pd_lpo_79_tr_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JJ165D607120N1MXR7MS

http://www.amazon.com/Inteplast-Group-THW1VAL-Thickness-Thank/dp/B004MDM6LC

just don't throw them into the ocean for any whales to eat. cough.

or you can buy 900 of them from Amazon for $20. One case will last you several lifetimes.

My mother made mine. I can't stand the plasticy fabric so mine are made from thin linen and grocery bags from thick linen.

But you can get them from supermarkets usually and online

> We can’t even buy vegetables without putting them in plastic.

https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Produce-Bags-Fruits-Veggies/dp/B002UXQ7QQ

https://www.amazon.com/purifyou-Premium-Reusable-Produce-Color-Coded/dp/B00XSHEJ90/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497423734&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=produce+mesh+bags&psc=1

For produce that actually needs to be bagged, they sell reusable produce bags.

https://www.amazon.com/Earthwise-Reusable-Mesh-Produce-Bags/dp/B005E2QRPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1538778858&sr=1-3&keywords=reusable+produce+bags

https://www.amazon.com/MyLifeUNIT-Microwave-Potato-Baked-Baking/dp/B016MC5IVK

U use this one on a regular basis and it works.

and

https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Produce-Bags-Fruits-Veggies/dp/B002UXQ7QQ/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1538730913&sr=1-4&keywords=Veggie+Bag

right here!

I still have a false bottom, but used this to supplement. It's totally big enough for my 10gal cooler and didn't tangle while stirring. I think I bought it here... http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E5M8E6G/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

Should've been hoarding them for the past year or so

Or pay $.031 each here http://www.amazon.com/Inteplast-Group-THW1VAL-Thickness-Thank/dp/B004MDM6LC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1451322307&sr=8-3&keywords=plastic+bags

I purchased a couple sets of these if you're into making a minor investment.

this reusable shopping bag

go to sleep madysan!!

Here you go. 25 bucks. 900 bags. You'll be set for the next decade.

I use these.

24x26 is enough for 15 gallon pots. I use this in my 10.5 gallon pot and it still had some room left.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E5M8E6G?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

There are also some reusable bags you can buy if you never want to use plastic again.

Example

Or yes, 1/2 the time I just use nothing. The produce might get a little dirty along on the way and on the checkout counter but I wash it all at home anyway.

I would actually recommend you build this composter as the type you linked to can be difficult in my opinion. Especially if you are in an apartment, lifting and sorting trays while trying to harvest worms from one bin to another is going to be a messy process. If you don't want to build a wooden framed one, I just used a tall plastic laundry basket instead.

With the composter I linked to you will just harvest finished castings from the bottom. To make tea you will just take those castings and put them in a big fine mesh bag (check out your local grocery store for reusable produce bags) and them let that bag soak in a bin of water. You can experiment to see how concentrated you'll want to make you tea.

How long you wait and how much you get depends on how much and how often you feed the worms. Your colony size will adjust to how you feed them. Expect to wait at least a month though.

FLIP AND TUMBLE - Reusable Produce Bags - Washable Mesh Bags for Fruits and Vegetables, Tough and Tear Proof, Eco-friendly Cloth fabric, Set of 5 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002UXQ7QQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_tA30DbZVVYYXD

I just try to remind myself that I don't have to fix it or be perfect in my waste reduction right away. But over time to just keep plugging at it to transition to low waste/no waste.

These mesh bags have a tight enough weave that you can put grains/granola etc into them: Earthwise Reusable Mesh Produce Bags - Washable Set of 9 Premium Bags, TRANSPARENT Lightweight, Strong SEE-THROUGH Mesh for shopping, transporting and storing fruits and veggies. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005E2QRPG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_T7.4CbN8KTETH

They're still plastic unfortunately, but very handy for small tiny items that my cotton produce bags couldn't hold.

Here's 900 plastic bags for $23. Keep them in your trunk. Problem solved.

http://www.amazon.com/Inteplast-Group-THW1VAL-Thickness-Thank/dp/B004MDM6LC/

Y'all need to get yourselves some reusable produce bags and cut down on that carbon footprint!

Note I just selected the first amazon result - there are many available

If you want to cut down on your plastic use, try these!

I use these. The weight of them is on the tag, some places will subtract that weight from the weight of the produce. Or they will take the produce out to weigh.

I typically just don't use a bag for things I'm buying one of (cucumber, tomato, onion, etc). But I will use it for multiples to keep them together (apples, oranges, lemons) and herbs or smaller things as well (cilantro, garlic, tomatillos, etc)

I love that they come in different sizes, and the have the weight on them. I personally don't bother subtracting the weight. And I just store them with my reusable bags.

I've had a couple cashiers give me funny looks or ask what they are, but I just explain to them that they are reusable produce bags.

When I get home I will typically store the produce in other ways not in the bag. But I have kept the produce in the bag with no ill effect.

Lick your fingers sensually, then rub the wrong end of the bag for 5 minutes before having to re-lick your fingers and try the wrong end again before you realize it. Make sure you make unbroken eye contact with the stocker the whole time. Hopefully don't get kicked out before buying fruit.

Or don't use a store bag and bring your own.

They might have them hanging up around your produce section, you should ask! The brand my store carries is Earthwise and it was about $3 for 3 bags. As a warning, lettuce seems to stay crispier in a plastic bag instead of mesh

https://www.amazon.com/EarthWise-EW105-Reusable-Produce-Sacks/dp/B005E2QRPG/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1467085741&sr=1-1&keywords=earthwise+mesh+bag

I will put them all in 1 bag and throw it in to my reusable tote so that I always have them

I know it sounds weird to buy something in order to be zero-waste, but we recently started using these bags for grocery shopping to avoid having to use the plastic bags at the store.

I got tired of all those flimsly useless bags and bought something like this.