SuzzyQ

My reusable bags and totes all go in one bag which goes with me into the store or if I'm going for just a few things, I grab the bags I want to use. They get washed at least once a month of when they get grubby.
Biggest problem is my foldable grocery totes aren't washable. They do get aired and wiped with a damp cloth when needed.
As long as the bags and totes don't get anything spilled or leaked onto them I figure they are as clean as anything else that comes into my house.

Nita

Shabby Fabrics has a free pattern and "how-to" video on how to make a fabric grocery bag that rolls up for storage. This ample sized bag is secured with a stretchy hair band that you sew into the bottom seam. Not lined, but seams are finished so that they do not fray. Very easy.

Jingle

I love the plastic bags. They are in plentiful supply around here. I use them for lots of things, the ones that tear or I can't use I take back to the store to be recycled.

nativetexan

I take a bag or two into Wal-mart. usually put groceries into them after the clerk puts them into plastic. i do use the plastic ones when i toss out my cats Styrofoam dishes I feed them from every morning. keeps the large garbage can clean. I don't carry a purse anymore. just stuff my pockets!

tumrub

I used fabric bags since the late 80's living in LA California WhenI came back to Indiana no one at the stores knew what to do with them

Darcyshannon

I hope that we will get rid of plastic bags. What a reduction in waste it would be and it isn’t that hard to bring your own shopping bag.

Garden Gnome

I am envisioning some hang up at the checkout point where, at Walmart, the clerk pulls open a new bag that is on the rack. For reuseable bags, does the clerk hang them on the rack to fill them? Is there a problem with the larger totes? I used to bring my own totes when we had a grocery that was "bag your own", but since it is gone, I haven't tried it at the only grocery store left in town. (Walmart) Perhaps I should make it as inconvenient as possible for them, just as a matter of principle? (lol)

helou

I bring my bags (big or small) everywhere and I help putting stuff in them so it is not too inconvenient for the staff.... as you say, it's a matter of principle for me and the more we do it the more they might think of doing the same thing... one little gesture at a time counts I think.

lfty298

I have been using the fold up shopping bag pattern from Crafty Patti. Her tute is easy to follow and produces a nicely made, compact bag. She recommends using a meter of fabric, but you can easily get away with about 2/3 of a yard - depending on how you cut out the little pocket. I found that a good quality quilters cotton is surprisingly durable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0f3NhnMUh0. If the link doesn't work, look for her channel on you tube.
Diane

jmoore

Great bags and fabrics. We are finally getting environmentally smarter here in Maine too and they are charging for bags at grocery stores but I think they should be charging more so folks would be more motivated in using reusable bags.