Best Grocery Bags: Reusable, Convenient, And Sustainable
Plastic bags are everywhere, whether we are heading to our local farmers market to pick up vegetables or racing to the pharmacy for a few home items.
According to Waste Management, a staggering amount of 4 trillion plastic bags are used every single year worldwide.
Out of these, only 1% will be recycled, and the rest will end up in landfills and oceans where they will take 1,000 years to biodegrade and will kill at least 100,000 marine animals a year.
It is obvious that the consequences of our immediate choices are far from small.
Fortunately, there is something we can do about that - switch to reusable shopping bags.
Besides being a more sustainable choice, reusable shopping bags have many other benefits.
They are significantly more durable than plastic bags. They can hold more products, and they look much better than their plastic counterparts.
They can also be used for picnics, days at the beach or at the park, baby bags or you can use them at home to organize your belongings.
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Quick links to best reusable grocery bags:
- Creative Green Life Reusable Grocery Bags
- Household Essentials 2246 Krush Canvas
- Bagpodz Reusable Grocery Bags
- Nook Theory insulated shopping bag
- Planet E Reusable Grocery Bags
- Earthwise reusable grocery bags
- Lotus trolley bags
What To Look For In A Reusable Grocery Bag?
Washability
A spilled box of blueberries or an egg that gets cracked on the way home might add stains and smells to your bags.
While most reusable grocery bags may be spot-cleaned, many people prefer machine-washable bags for a complete clean.
Follow the care directions for whatever bag you pick and remember that many may need air-drying to minimize shrinking.
Capacity
It's helpful to know how much you can fit into a set of reusable grocery bags to avoid using disposable bags if you run out of space.
Also, not a good idea to overburden your reusable bags, or else you risk tearing or shredding the handle.
While some can carry as much as 50 pounds, twice as much as a standard grocery bag, others can barely manage 20.
Material:
Many different materials can be used to make reusable grocery bags.
Nylon bags are the most popular, while polyester bags are lightweight and durable.
Insulated grocery bags are essential for keeping your frozen items frozen on the way home.
Furthermore, coated canvas reusable bags provide durability and years of usage.
So, which reusable shopping bags are best?
We are huge fans of canvas reusable bags for just about anything.
But there are plenty of other options too!
Depending on your needs and the type of grocery shopping you do, you can find heavy-duty bags for large grocery hauls or lightweight pieces that can be stowed in tiny purses.
There's definitely a reusable bag for you.
Let's have a look at our best picks!
Creative Green Life Reusable Grocery Bags
This Creative Green Life set of 3 reusable tote bags could be just what you need for a large family shop. The bags are durable and well-designed.
The heavyweight cotton handles and solid-core construction make them sturdy and long-lasting.
Furthermore, the bags are strengthened at the handles with metal rivets.
Each bag has a capacity of 30 lbs and is designed to store a lot without being too heavy at the checkout.
Most grocery carts, bag holders, and bag carousels should provide sufficient space for the whole set.
The extra-long cotton handles enable you to carry the complete set or loop it over your shoulder.
The bags look good and are straightforward to care for - just wipe them with a wet cloth.
In other words, Creative Green Life has created a fantastic tote bag set.
Pros:
• Capacity of 30 lbs.
• Non-woven material
• Riveted grips
• Fold and store
Cons:
• Not suitable for machine-washing
Household Essentials 2246 Krush Canvas
For a smaller shop or to organize larger bags Household Essentials 2246 Krush Canvas set of 2 tote bags is a great choice.
These canvas bags have a water-repellent lining and are of a traditional beige color. However, you can paint or embroider the bags to make them look fun and unique.
The bags have a wire rim that keeps them conveniently open while doing your shopping. When they're empty, they fold flat for easy storage.
The webbed grips are lovely and comfy. You could find them a tad short, but that depends on your preference.
The fabric wipes easily with a wet cloth, so you should have no trouble keeping them tidy.
Overall, Household Essentials 2246 Krush Canvas will be able to satisfy a wide range of tastes.
Pros:
• Reusable canvas tote bag
• Water-repellent lining
• Wireframe at the top
Cons:
• There is no firm bottom on this bag
Bagpodz Reusable Grocery Bags
Bagpodz bags come in a set of 5 nylon reusable shopping bags packed in a small and portable pod that can fit in your handbag or the cupholder in your car.
These bags might be small but they are very functional since each bag can hold up to 50 pounds.
They can be cleaned easily either in the washing machine or by hand, and they'll look as good as new afterward.
Bagpodz reusable grocery shopping bags are fantastic. They are small and portable but also very strong for all your shopping needs.
Pros:
• 5 bags packed in a pod
• Machine or hand washable
• Each bag can hold up to 50 pounds
• Foldable and adaptable
Cons:
• Each set has just one color
• Short handles
Nook Theory insulated shopping bag
Nook Theory Insulated Shopping Bag is a stylish and functional shopping bag that will make your next grocery shop a whole lot easier!
The bag is made with a durable, scratch-resistant canvas exterior and high-efficiency thermal foam insulation.
It can hold up to 30lbs of groceries and keep ice frozen for 6+ hours.
Plus, it features 2 side pockets for easy access to your essentials.
Whether you use it as a grocery bag, food warmer bag, or cooler bag, Nook Theory Insulated Shopping Bag will make your life more convenient.
Test it out for yourself and see!
Pros:
• Stylish look and quality materials
• Compact and convenient
• Extra large capacity of 30 lbs
• Super versatile with a multitude of uses
Cons:
• Straps tend to slip off the shoulder.
Planet E Reusable Grocery Bags
Planet E reusable grocery bags are very robust and have a well-thought construction.
But the best thing about these bags is that they are made from 80 gsm PET (recycled plastic bottles). By buying these bags you help keep plastic out of the landfill.
They come in a set of 3 and are very versatile.
They can be used for picnics, days at the beach, or organizing your child's toys.
They are also very easy to fold - just raise the sturdy bottom and you're done!
The bags' handles are exceptionally lengthy, allowing you to comfortably and efficiently loop them over your shoulder.
Planet E H1286 reusable grocery bags are the intersection of form and function.
They are designed for a buyer who is conscious about the environment but also appreciates nice-looking items in life.
Pros:
• Constructed from recycled plastic bottles
• Sturdy and keep their shape without collapsing
• Roomy
Cons:
• Handwash only
Earthwise reusable grocery bags
Earthwise reusable grocery bags are both durable and convenient.
They come in a set of 3 and are made of heavy-duty, 80-gram non-woven polypropylene.
The recycled cardboard walls give the bag a rigid structure, so it stays open and upright when loading.
The flat bottom keeps the bag steady in your trunk and the shoulder straps make it easy to carry.
Plus, the bag folds up flat for easy storage.
Whether you're shopping for groceries, headed to the beach, or packing for a picnic, the Earthwise reusable grocery bag is perfect for all your needs.
Pros:
- Very durable
- Two sets of handles
- Large capacity - 30 lbs
Cons:
- Handwash only
Lotus trolley bags
Looking for an easier, more efficient way to shop? Look no further than Lotus trolley bags!
Their innovative design allows you to easily and quickly fill up your shopping cart without having to fumble around with several smaller bags.
And their heavy-duty construction means that each bag can hold up to 60 pounds of groceries, making them perfect for larger families or big shopping trips.
Lotus trolley bags are machine washable for easy cleanup, and each set includes a large cooler bag to keep your perishables fresh, a bag with pockets for egg cartons and wine bottle pockets, and mesh-bottomed bags to ensure spills don't sit at the bottom of the bag making your groceries soggy.
These bags are ideal for "scan as you shop" large grocery trips.
Why settle for ordinary shopping bags when you can have the ultimate shopping experience with Lotus trolley bags?
Good to know: This model is not meant for COSTCO/SAMS/HEB & ALDI. Please see the Club Cart Version for these stores.
Pros:
- very convenient for organizing your grocery shopping
- different types of bags included in a set
- machine-washable
- mesh bottom
Cons:
- some people find them too big
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How long do reusable grocery bags last?
The lifespan of a reusable bag is determined by its design and the amount of use that the bag gets.
While some bags can last longer than others, a reusable shopping bag should give you many years of use.
Why should I use reusable grocery bags?
Bringing your reusable bag to the store instead of using disposable ones is a great way to help the earth.
A plastic bag takes at least 1,000 years to disintegrate in a landfill.
Even then, it produces microplastics that pollute our waterways and damage our ecosystem.
A reusable bag is a simple way to lessen your environmental impact.
What is the best way to clean your reusable bags?
The best way to clean your reusable bag is mostly determined by the material it is made of.
When cotton or canvas bags get dirty, they can be hand-washed or even tossed in the washing machine.
While insulated, water-resistant, recycled, or laminated bags can just be wiped with some soapy water.
Final Thoughts
While the volume of plastic bags used daily remains staggering, purchasing and using reusable grocery bags is one simple way to reduce our contribution to plastic pollution.
Aside from being environmentally friendly, reusable grocery bags are also more durable.
You never have to worry about torn plastic bags, broken handles, or spillages soaking a paper bag.
Reusable bags are also a catch-all for regular errands, allowing you to quickly transition from a short coffee run with friends to grocery shopping.
To make your shopping even more sustainable don't forget to get some great reusable produce bags too!
And finally, the most amazing reusable grocery bag only benefits the environment if you actually use it. So make sure your reusable shopping bag is always with you.
You never know when you might need it!
