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MaryM
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Okay, this cracks me up - 20 response in the 2 1/2 hours this thread has been posted. Who would have thought this was such a hot topic. 
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Mary M. in Denver
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lapazfarm
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LOL! Hey, Mary, there were some patterns for knitted bags in the link I posted. Made me think of you!
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Theresa
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Servant2theKing
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Whenever I see the re-usable bags our local stores offer I almost laugh. We shop by the month, fill two carts to overflowing and need three carts to take it all to the van. I've even been asked if we run a daycare or hotel on several occasions. The last time I shopped I noticed only one person using the re-usable bags and maybe two dozen others leaving the store with plastic. The lady that had re-usables looked like she might be an elderly widow and had only two ot three bags altogether. The idea just doesn't seem practical for those with larger families. I must confess I wondered about taking re-usuable boxes, like stackable Rubbermaids, but thought everything would be SO bulky we'd end up needing even more carts to transport everything to our vehicle. We do donate our plastic bags to our local library (when I remember) since they collect them for patrons' use. Interesting topic!
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Servant2theKing
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Theresa, I just noticed the comment at the bottom of the link you shared...Susan uses tank tops, sews a seam at the bottom from the inside and uses the arm holes as handles...now that's clever! I still don't see us going into a store with anywhere from 15-30 tank tops to load with groceries, but I love Susan's ingenuity!
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: Oct 08 2008 at 5:00pm | IP Logged
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Servant, the tank top idea is geat! I hadn't noticed that!
I see your point about filling three carts with groceries.
No way is it practical to use that many reusable bags.
I do think, however, that re-usable bags would be great for those quick trips in between times to pick up bread, milk, whatever.
And on your big trips if you use only a few re-usable bags (say for produce, for example) then you will at least cut down on a little plastic. Even if its only a few plastic bags less each trip, it will add up in the long run. Every bit helps!
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BrendaPeter
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As someone else mentioned the bags hold alot more than I initially thought, however, since I "stuff" them I think that's what's contributing to the "wear & tear". And I do mean "tear" as I've noticed several. Am having the same thought as others - how practical are they when I have to throw them away after a few months use? I have the Stop & Shop bags & the fabric is not what I would call durable. Cotton twill or nylon would certainly hold up a whole lot better.
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Mary G
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| Posted: Oct 08 2008 at 7:32pm | IP Logged
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juststartn wrote:
| We need those plastic grocery sacks here for diaper duty |
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YEP! One thing we learned was that why have a diaper genie when all you need to do is seal that diaper in a plastic bag or two (or three  )
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Mary G
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| Posted: Oct 08 2008 at 7:33pm | IP Logged
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But, the question I need answered ... as y'all know I'm nature challenged ...
HOW EXACTLY DO THOSE GROCERY BAG PROPOGATE UNDER THE SINK? ... and so quickly too! 
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MaryG
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TxTrish
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I have several heavy cotton ones with canvas type handles I purchased at least 15 years ago from Tom Thumb (grocery) They are all still in excellent shape and have been everywhere - they are more shaped like a paper sack and hold tons. They rock! The new ones they have available now are lousy in comparison.
I have made these patterns, and use them....
My relatives will be getting them for Christmas gifts this year, and I can make them in an evening or two.
This is my favorite:
http://www.nancyscrochet.com/GroceryToteBag.pdf
I've done these too.
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/Accesso ries/WC1642+Paperless+Grocery+Bag.htm
http://www.carnivalyarns.com.au/media/pdfs/crochet_bag.pdf
I am dying to try this,
http://www.geocities.com/quibblerscribbler/Recycled_plastic_ bag.html
Trish
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JennGM
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These are great, Theresa! I just started going through them and saw the idea for reusing window sheers...which I have quite a few (unless I finally sent them to charity )
These are also such great ideas!
Now, would anyone be offended if you received reusable bags as Christmas gifts?
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Mary G
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| Posted: Oct 09 2008 at 1:35pm | IP Logged
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I wouldn't .... not to hint or anything ....
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MaryG
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NavyMom
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| Posted: Oct 09 2008 at 6:54pm | IP Logged
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Just ran across this linkand thought it would interest many of you...
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wamegomom
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My favorite bags are at chicobags.com
I have 5 of them and want more. They each hold about 20 pounds of stuff but the best thing about them is that they fold up inside their own little attached drawstring bag and are tiny. They also have clips so that you can attach one to your jeans for ex. They are a hit wherever I take them. The farmer's market folks were passing mine around.
The big ones usually get forgotten at home, but these go right into my purse. I currently have 5 of them in there, with plenty of room for a wallet, checkbook, tissues, brush, etc. They are one of the best purchases I've made all year.
Mary Alice in Kansas
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Mackfam
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Mary Chris wrote:
I just have to remember to bring them into the store. |
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This is my biggest problem!
I like the ones I have - all different sizes, handles and depths. They fold up nicely and I leave them in a bin in the back of the van. I originally bought a few because it is such a pain to load and unload the car after a Costco trip... hot dogs, berries, cereal, and on and on and on... When I remember to bring them in, they're great. But, I confess, I forget more than I remember.  I'm trying to enlist the children to help me remember. How come they can remember that 2 years ago I said we'd think about considering looking into ______fill in the blank______ but no one can remember to help me take those darn bags out of the back of the van.
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BrendaPeter
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wamegomom wrote:
My favorite bags are at chicobags.com
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Hi MaryAlice,
From what I can tell on their website, the bags do NOT hang on your shoulders. Is that correct?
Thx!
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wamegomom
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| Posted: Oct 10 2008 at 9:51pm | IP Logged
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DD and I can hang the Chico bags from our shoulders or carry them in our hands. Since they stuff up so nicely in their own attached drawstring clip bag, you easily remember to pop them back in your purse for shopping.
They are also machine washable, as I found out when a tomato burst in one on the way home from farmer's market.
The company is serious about recycling them as well--see the website. Green, convenient, easy and cute too. What more do you want? I really like them.
Mary Alice in Kansas
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Rachel May
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JennGM wrote:
| Now, would anyone be offended if you received reusable bags as Christmas gifts? |
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I did get one last year as a gift from a neighbor. It was a good quality Trader Joes ($10) with a pack of spaghetti, a loaf of bread, and a jar of sauce in it. LOVED IT! That said, the $1, "I used to be a plastic bottle", 80% recycled post-consumer waste bags from Whole Foods would have been just as good.
Wait, I think I might have already mentioned that this is what I'm getting for Christmas.
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4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: Loom: Reusable Grocery Bags
