Store Fri Feb 01 2008
Baggu Bags
I make every effort to remember to bring my own bags when I grocery shop these days. The Whole Foods reusable grocery bag that I got for free at Pitchfork last year has seen better days and I decided it was time to buy a replacement.
I wanted something sturdy, simple and advertisement-free. I found several great options online and eventually ordered three bags from Baggu. While many companies strive to perfectly emulate a disposable plastic bag, the big draw for me to the Baggu bags was the strap length. The bags can be carried in your hand or easily slung over a shoulder. I don't have a vehicle, so I am always walking or on public transportation. The longer straps made Baggu an excellent choice for me.
The bags are made of rip-stop nylon, can hold up to 25 pounds, fold up into a tiny square pouch, have a gusseted bottom and come in 9 colors -- You can even send a well-used Baggu bag back to the company where they will recycle it and give you a small credit towards a new bag. The bags are $8 for one, $22 for three, and $38 for six. While that may seem like a lot of money compared to other options, it has been worth it for me to finally find a sturdy, versatile bag that I never forget to bring with me.
- Gemma
Meghan Fri Feb 01 2008, 2:39PM +
Those are awesome! This month's Ready Made also has a cool pattern for making your own out of thrift store windbreakers, but they haven't put it up on their site yet!
anne Mon Feb 04 2008, 12:07PM +
I'm a big fan of similarly-designed Envirosax. I've given them as gifts too, and everyone loves them. They're about $8/each online. Amazon carries them, or you can order from their US affiliate. (they're made in Australia!) Plus, they roll up into a pocket-sized (or purse-sized) ball which is super great.
Liz B Mon Feb 04 2008, 1:29PM +
Those bags are very nice. And what a great color! I'm sure that I'll pick some up soon.
But you should know that those Whole Foods bags are guaranteed for life and they will replace worn out bags for free.
gemma Mon Feb 04 2008, 1:50PM +
Nice, that is good to know. I got mine for free at Pitchfork last year and must have missed the fine print.
I will definitely trade mine in next time I make it over to one of their stores.
Thanks for the information.
Mandy Mon Feb 04 2008, 2:02PM +
Another great spot for reusable items of all kinds, including grocery bags, lunch bags, etc., is www.reusablebags.com. It's a Chicago-based Web site, too! I swear by the Acme bag, which is incredibly sturdy and folds up neatly (and easily) into a palm-sized pouch.
julie Tue Feb 05 2008, 1:29PM +
i'm actually hoping to turn the pile of used plastic bags into reuseable bags... you can use the handle loops to chain them together and then use it as yarn to knit up a sack. http://www.magknits.com/May07/patterns/rrr.htm