cloth grocery bags

[gretelmom]

I tried searching the archives here... I couldn't find a basic review of cloth grocery bags...

I need to buy some good cloth grocery bags (I've been toting paper bags that are being reused, but they keep ripping and driving me crazy now htat I'm hugely pregnant). I want a large-capacity bag that isn't too too ugly, unbleached, you know the whole schebang. I looked through all the bags on reusablebags.com but was overwhelmed!!

So what are generally thought to be strongest, most washable, easiest to carry, etc?? I almost bought hte ones at Whole FOods but then thought they'd probably be overpriced and maybe not the very best... Is this an overreaction??

Thanks thanks thanks!

joanna

[Katheda]

I like my canvas bags best. They aren't pretty, just natural color & plain but they are very durable and hold lots. I got mine from the Frontier co-op for ~$5 each. 6 bags can carry a very full cart

[lovesdaffodils]

I use Chico bags. They can each hold 20 lbs and have a huge capacity.

[BusyBeeMom]

Do you have any tote bags? That's what I use - they're not specifically grocery bags, just bags I already have. One is actually an old, old (probably 15 yrs) bag w/a picture of the planet that I got for an earth day when I was in high school.

Other than that, I grab whatever is around & not being othewise used.

I find this TYPE of bag works really well for groceries - doesn't have to be a particular brand:

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/sto...0949-NSOGoogle

[fek&fuzz]

My Whole Foods has them for a dollar. They are made from very thick interfacing-like material. I love them. The hold a ton, can be worn over your shoulder, and fold up nice and small. They are usually right at the check out, but I just noticed some right on my way in today.

I'm assuming all whole foods will have them.

[mamoma]

I went ahead and bought the whole foods ones - they were two for three dollars or something like that. Like the PP said, you can use any tote bag, so I'm sure you could find something cheaper at a yard sale, etc.... but the green WF bags are pretty fantastic. They have a greater capacity than a paper bag but they're *shaped* like a paper bag and have a flat bottom and (most importantly, to me) they have really strong handles that are long enough to wear on your shoulder.

I love them, and I love YOU for reusing paper bags - that sounds hard!

[hipmummy]

We did a past thread on bags a few months ago. Look it up. There were some great tips on getting free ones and getting cheap ones.

[gmvh]

I have a pretty random collection of canvas/cotton bags and while I like them, they are so bulky. I am currently knitting some string bags for the compact factor. Our local thrift-for-profit store has gobs and gobs of cloth bags and you could put together a nice (but bulky) set for super cheap on 50% off day!

[eco_mama]

i like my canvas bags because they hold the most, especially heavy stuff. but for small trips to the store for a few things i like taking my small chico bags.

[kdabbler]

Reuseablebags.com has customer reviews of the bags they sell.

I think you've seen everything that was covered in the previous thread:

• The grocery store bags are by far on of the cheapest.
• It's likely that you can find canvas or string bags for a really cheap price at a thrift or discount store.
• Locally, we have a chain called Building 19 who buys insurance lots and overstocks. They often sell overages from trade shows or other promotional bags. Nice stuff too.

[Eliseatthebeach]

try ecobags.com

[Bimmergal2005]

I have this set and LOVE it! http://www.reusablebags.com/store/ac...ack-p-498.html You can get the bags in black or tan. I can fit a whole grocery cart load into four bags. I love that they stand up on their own like paper bags and they are heavy duty. I haven't washed mine but they still look good as new after many months of weekly shopping trips.

[CrunchyParent]

I asked the checkout people at Trader Joe's to see what kinds of bags they most prefer/are easiest to fill. They said that bags shaped like a traditional paper grocery bag are the best. I bought the 99 cent red ones from TJs and I use them primarily when I do my grocery shopping.

For things like picking up my CSA veggies, clthes shopping, etc. I have the ecobags fiesta bags with the long handles. I like them a lot. I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the produce bags (mesh net) and bulk foods bags (cotton muslin) that ecobags makes. I felt so weird stuffing my reusable grocery bag with a mmillion plastic bags full of produce and bulk foods. Now I can resue those too (and the net mesh bags are also great for using to dry herbs).

[reducereuserecycle]

actually, the ones at WF aren't that much I don't think. I never bought one there, but i don't think they cost much. they also sell the HOT/COLD bags at the freezer section and they'll hold your frozen and cold stuff nicely.

[Garden~Lover]

my mother uses those Acme eath totes too. They are HUGE and she loves them. They have a nice pocket in the front too. They do stay open like a paper bag. I want to get some when I get some money.

I use the ones from the grocery store, they are blue and huge. I think they where a $1.19. They are not as thick as the earth totes but they do the job.
I would just like something pretty :

[jenerationx]

I like the canvas ones, best. I got mine at Trader Joe's for $3, I think. I also have a bunch of Whole Foods bags, which are fine--I just prefer canvas.