What kind of bags are good?

[GP44]

A new law goes into effect July first that says retailers will no longer make single use bags available.
Paper bags for ten cents each will be available but it doesn’t say what the state tax will be on those.
I am thinking about using my own, maybe heavy canvas or the thermal kind that keep the ice cream from being soup before we get home.
I have a couple of those thermals around here, somewhere that we use on really hot days.
With my bad back I would be better off with more bags than having giant sized.
Do you have bags that work well for you and seem to hold up to the rigors of carrying groceries every week?
Is there a certain brand or style that you really prefer?
Maybe tips on things you do to them that helps make them easier to use.

 

[jim_slim]

Is this law in a certain state or is it nationwide?

 

[That Lady in PA]

I have been using the free ones, that are given out at various events or by various companieds as advertising.
I also have two thermal ones that are used when the weather is warm.

 

[Ronni]

I always use reusable bags. They carry much more easily than plastic or paper.

Most grocery stores have reusable bags available for sale for 99c or so, and it’s a one time purchase. They last forever!

 

[That Lady in PA]

Maybe tips on things you do to them that helps make them easier to use.

Nothing special... they are just like the plastic bags, similiar size with better handles.

 

[Imogene]

It may be a state-by-state issue. This is what AI says regarding single use bags in Tennessee:

”Retailers in Tennessee are not generally stopping the use of single-use bags, as state law prohibits local governments from banning them. While some major chains, like Kroger, have corporate goals to phase out plastic, statewide legislation focuses on ensuring plastic bags remain available, rather than banning them.
Facebook +2
Key Details Regarding Single-Use Bags in TN:

• Preemption Law: Tennessee has passed legislation that prohibits local governments from banning or regulating single-use plastic bags, Styrofoam, and other disposables.
• Voluntary Reductions: Some retailers may choose to reduce bag usage voluntarily, but they are not mandated to do so.
• Recycling Options: Many local stores in Tennessee offer on-site recycling bins for plastic bags.
• Statewide Legislation: Recent proposals discussed in the Tennessee General Assembly have focused on restricting the usage of single-use bags, with some industry support for phasing them out.
  Nashville.gov +4

While there is no statewide ban, some, like the Tennessee Environmental Council, encourage consumers to switch to reusable bags to reduce environmental impact.
Nashville.gov +4”

 

[C50]

I've been using my own bags for years. My favorite bags are what appears to be a canvas material with a slick coating, they maintain their shape and are easy to wipe down when needed. I've had two bags that are probably ten years old and still working great.

I dislike any bag that when picked up all the items in the bag smush up in a pile.

 

[hollydolly]

A new law goes into effect July first that says retailers will no longer make single use bags available.
Paper bags for ten cents each will be available but it doesn’t say what the state tax will be on those.
I am thinking about using my own, maybe heavy canvas or the thermal kind that keep the ice cream from being soup before we get home.
I have a couple of those thermals around here, somewhere that we use on really hot days.
With my bad back I would be better off with more bags than having giant sized.
Do you have bags that work well for you and seem to hold up to the rigors of carrying groceries every week?
Is there a certain brand or style that you really prefer?
Maybe tips on things you do to them that helps make them easier to use.

this has been in effect here in the Uk for years now..... they started off chargin 10p for a bag.. and making a ''bag for life £1.00....essentially the bag for life was supposed to mean that if it broke they would replace it free...

It's now become a free for all with regard prices for bags..the average price for a bag at the supermarket is 40p.. which adds another $1.20 to your bill if you use 3.... some places charge more... and the bags for lfie seem t have disapeared so the rcket is.. that manys tores.. not necessarily supermarkets will conveniently run out of the cheaper bags.. and all they have left is the ''stronger bags'' at £1. each and their not bags for life...

So I bought a chill bag on wheels years ago... n that's hat I teke to the supermarket. I leave it in the car, and then bring the trolley of groceries and fill the bag up from that.

I also have the strong stretch bags you can buy online for pennies.. and I keep one of those in my handbag or pocket if I'm shopping at a Non Supermarket

My insultated chill bag on wheels is similar to this....

..and the little bag which stretches to hold an amazing capacity... are these....

 

[Messy]

I prefer the German bags you can buy in a grocery store in Germany or at the Aldi.


Only 59 cent and really strong.

 

[Been There]

I use my bags I bought at the grocery store for a few bucks each. I also have a fairly large bag that is made to keep items cold, which cost $5 each about 10 years ago. I see they are costing more today like most everything else.

 

[hollydolly]

I prefer the German bags you can buy in a grocery store in Germany or at the Aldi.


Only 59 cent and really strong.

they have them here... but 59 cents..or the equivelent..and in our case it's often £1.00... is a big amount on your bill especially if you need more than one bag

 

[GP44]

this has been in effect here in the Uk for years now..... they started off chargin 10p for a bag.. and making a ''bag for life £1.00....essentially the bag for life was supposed to mean that if it broke they would replace it free...

It's now become a free for all with regard prices for bags..the average price for a bag at the supermarket is 40p.. which adds another $1.20 to your bill if you use 3.... some places charge more... and the bags for lfie seem t have disapeared so the rcket is.. that manys tores.. not necessarily supermarkets will conveniently run out of the cheaper bags.. and all they have left is the ''stronger bags'' at £1. each and their not bags for life...

So I bought a chill bag on wheels years ago... n that's hat I teke to the supermarket. I leave it in the car, and then bring the trolley of groceries and fill the bag up from that.

I also have the strong stretch bags you can buy online for pennies.. and I keep one of those in my handbag or pocket if I'm shopping at a Non Supermarket

My insultated chill bag on wheels is similar to this....

..and the little bag which stretches to hold an amazing capacity... are these....

Is $1.20 a pound and 20 pence?

 

[Messy]

they have them here... but 59 cents..or the equivelent..and in our case it's often £1.00... is a big amount on your bill especially if you need more than one bag

It's not for 1 time use. You can use them for months.

 

[hollydolly]

It's not for 1 time use. You can use them for months.

yes if they don't tear...

 

[hollydolly]

Is $1.20 a pound and 20 pence?

yes... £1.20 = $1.59 USD approx

 

[Nathan]

Apparently CA has mandated that super markets offer paper bags(10 cents), like those in use decades ago. I don't care for them like I used to back in the 70s, so I'm, using canvas bags that I have on hand anyway. They are durable, washable, and have 2 strap handles.

 

[StarSong]

So I bought a chill bag on wheels years ago... and that's what I take to the supermarket. I leave it in the car, and then bring the trolley of groceries and fill the bag up from that.

I won one of those at card game years ago. During warm weather I bring it along, and put couple of frozen chill packs in it before leaving the house.

I stopped using bags for grocery shopping at least ten years ago. I transfer my groceries from the cart into three laundry baskets that live in the back part of my SUV. Bring the laundry baskets into the house, empty them, and return them to the car.

 

[Murrmurr]

Several years ago I made about a half-dozen shopping bags out of various types of fabric. They're easy to make. It took took a few times using them to realize that if I made the bottoms of them like a pocket, I had the option to slide a piece of heavy cardboard in it to make them hold more and stand up in the car better, and I can just pull the cardboard out before washing them.

I need to make more, though. All but a couple of them went home with my grandkids when they used to spend weekends here, because they often left with more than they brought. (gifts)

I kind of miss the plastic bags. I used them for 2 small bins under the sinks and the one in my office. I'm gonna have to remember to buy them now....which defeats the purpose of the bag-law, doesn't it?

 

[hollydolly]

I won one of those at card game years ago. During warm weather I bring it along, and put couple of frozen chill packs in it before leaving the house.

I stopped using bags for grocery shopping at least ten years ago. I transfer my groceries from the cart into three laundry baskets that live in the back part of my SUV. Bring the laundry baskets into the house, empty them, and return them to the car.

I use the insulated trolley bag all the time..it's not huge like a granny shopping trolley.. yet it holds about 30 litres and the handle is telescopic... and as I don't have an SUV..it fits into my boot easier ...

Those magic stretch bags..I just looked for anyone who is interested in them... on Amazon.com they re a whopping $8... on Temu the exact same ones are $1.50 or something cheap...

 

[StarSong]

I kind of miss the plastic bags. I used them for 2 small bins under the sinks and the one in my office. I'm gonna have to remember to buy them now....which defeats the purpose of the bag-law, doesn't it?

I used to use them for that, too, but I stopped using those bags when they were outlawed about ten years ago. Realized I didn't need them.

Food trash goes into bowl next to my sink. When full, it's dumped directly into the city-issued green (lawn trimmings and other compost) bin. No bag needed. The bowl gets a quick rinse and is good to go for another day.

All other trash in my house goes directly into various receptacles throughout the house and are emptied the night before before our weekly garbage pickup. No need for plastic bags. Sure, the bins need a rinse or quick scrub periodically, but that's no big deal.

Note: we don't eat meat so nothing putrefies in our house bins or city trash cans.

 

[hearlady]

I won one of those at card game years ago. During warm weather I bring it along, and put couple of frozen chill packs in it before leaving the house.

I stopped using bags for grocery shopping at least ten years ago. I transfer my groceries from the cart into three laundry baskets that live in the back part of my SUV. Bring the laundry baskets into the house, empty them, and return them to the car.

Hmm laundry baskets are a good idea!

 

[StarSong]

Hmm laundry baskets are a good idea!

It works really well. My daughter copied my idea, and some of her friends are doing the same after seeing her SUV trunk.

 

[hearlady]

It works really well. My daughter copied my idea, and some of her friends are doing the same after seeing her SUV trunk.

I use them for all kinds of things but never groceries.

 

[Murrmurr]

... the bins need a rinse or quick scrub periodically, but that's no big deal.

It's kind of a big deal for me.

But I'll just get rid of the bins under the sinks. That trash can go into the kitchen bin, right around the corner .
And a paper bag will do for the office.

Crazy how we adopt bad habits to get around having to form good ones.

 

[Lilac]

I like the canvas bags from Trader Joes. I have quite a few of their original ones for years that I through in the washer to clean.

They just came out with a small version of those that will work out good for heavier items which is a tad bigger than the wine bags that have dividers. I bought one to try & when I went back they were sold out already.

I also like their fold up totes that I bought for inside the trunk to keep things from going all over. The fold up bags are good for items that you don't want to get crushed like bread, etc.

Aldis also has these totes now & some of their reusable bags are nice too.

I kept my old wine bags for when I buy bottles of olive oils, soda water & similar size bottles which makes it easier to carry those. I also too the dividers out of some & used them for regular bags until they finally wore out.