I own six tote bags. I didn’t plan on collecting them, it just kind of happened. Two from Barnes & Noble, one from MiraCosta, one from Joann’s, one I got from a competition, and another I grabbed because it was on sale and looked cool. Now they’ve taken over a pile in my room, and i’m fine with it. My favorite is from a show choir competition at John Boroughs High School. It says “I ❤️ M@W”, which stands for Men at Work. No, not the band (though that would be funny) it’s the name of one of the competing groups. That bag reminds of a day full of quick costume changes, ridiculously squeaky microphones, and way too much hair spray. To me it’s not just a tote; it’s a time capsule I can carry groceries and supplies in. Switching to reusable bags like these is a small change, but a big difference. every time I bring one instead of using a plastic bag, that one has piece of trash en ding up in a landfill or floating down a street into a storm drain. whenever I’m going out with friends I always bring one and I keep one in my backpack just in case. Two add-ons is that you look awesome with a tote bag rather than a cheap Earth ruining plastic bag. Plus, they can actually carry more than three items without tearing— looking at you, thin grocery store bags. So yes, my tote bag habit is partly about convenience and partly about sentiment, but it’s also a way I can reduce my impact without spending extra money or making some huge lifestyle change. I just get to use bags I like, carry my stuff, and feel a bit better knowing I’m not adding to the pile of plastic waste out there.
I am happy to be here. I have been on a reduction journey in my own home and life for many years. I first noticed how many plastic bottles I was using from Costco every week and how bulky they were. My husband at the time would reuse these low-grade plastic bottles over and over. I replaced the bottle usage with stainless steel water bottles for each family member and made sure to use the filtered water from the fridge that was readily available. This saved money and reduced our recycling output for the week.
Then my Mother had made me some fabric tote bags so I kept them in my car and used them for my shopping and all of the sudden, I didn't have 765 plastic bags stored in my pantry at all times. The totes from the store are made with low grade plastic so I didn't want to buy more of those and bring more plastic into the home. I found a few made of cotton "net-like" string, and today those are my favorites to utilize to not only reduce plastic but also paper bags. No need to cut trees down to transport my items.
Reusable plastic zip-close bags are wonderful! They are still plastic but thicker and easily washable. The thing I learned about them, is I don't want to freeze in the bags themselves or put anything hot in them.
I ordered glass bowls of many sizes to store leftovers or small food to further facillitate less plastic usage. I receintly discovered bee's wax covered fabric that I use to cover food or bowls and dishes instead of using plastic wrap. These are easily washable and reusable.
My latest efforts are not to buy food items in cans lined with low grade plastics. There are glass jars of soups if I need something fast, and also BPA free cartons. I have found that there is concentrates in glass jars that I can utilize instead of buying chicken stock or veggie stock.