charity-crafter

A friend of mine crocheted several from the plastic grocery bags. It looked great and so stretchy yet sturdy for holding -something like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SERA-c82Vmo I don't have speakers on this computer so I can't tell what she's saying but the photos look right. Or google plastic yarn or plarn.

QultingaddictUK

Here in Wales UK we have had a 5p charge on plastic carrier bags for a couple of years and it has made so much difference in our countryside. So we all have been making shopping bags and giving them as gifts, including a purse organiser for an extra pressie http://www.quiltingboard.com/general...s-t205087.html

There are so many free patterns out there, our favourite ones are the crochet ones, denim rag bags and flip and sew.

IMO the crochet ones for a man are the best, we used the Dishcloth cotton, doubled for ours, washes great, the denim ones are really strong and can be made to any size.

coopah

My goodness! I never imagined so much discussion, but it certainly has my mind whirling with good ideas. The reusable is the way to go, whether it be to line garbage bins or whatever. All of the input here is good. Some ideas I hadn't thought about, and that's why I enjoy this Board so much!! Thanks for getting me thinking of more alternatives!

rainagade

They do not charge for the plastic bags in the bulk or produce section. With that county you never know.

I have purchased bags for $1 at the grocery stores that I use. If you have some panels around sew them to the bag, right over the store logo.

One store in the area has red ones. I gifted one with a red hat lady I embroidered.
I don't know about the rest of you but, when I use my own bags things are easier to carry AND they don't break before I get them to the house. Can goods in your own bags is so much easier. I do make sure my meat or frozen items are placed into a plastic sack before they go in my own bags.

milikaa1

Try tipnut.com

swcrazzy

Boulder, Co is starting to charge 10 cents a bag... Beth in Co

GrannieAnnie

I've got a couple of those, too, but they are generally smaller than what I make. One shoe bag is just right for bread, however.

Nanamoms

I get "points" thru my bank for using my debit card! I got a free insulated tote that is box shaped which I keep in my trunk for cold items (when I remember it! LOL). I actually prefer paper sacks as they can be recycled into all sorts of crafts and even draft patterns on them to cut fabric. Most stores have stopped offering paper though.

At Fads and Frames, they offer an oversized plastic mesh type bag which you can usually get on clearance for $1.00 which would hold a LOT of stuff. My only issue with the plastic is that most of them don't last until I get the groceries into the house!! LOL Have had lots of can goods/bottles rolling across the parking lot!!

DaylilyDawn

I knitted some bags that we keep in the trunks along with some Ikea bags that we bought when the stores in Orlando and Tamps first opened. The knitted ones really hold a lot of items that are not cold. Cold items go into an insulated bag we bought at Sam's Club.

twinkie

The only stores in our area that charge for bags are the wholesale discount stores. I have been told that is the way they cut down on overhead.