Thrifty Mommy » reusable bags

Do you wash plastic bags?

Jennifer Chait — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:36:04 +0000

I’ve known my fair share of thrifty folks who wash plastic bags. They’ll hand wash and dry and some people even toss them in the laundry on cold. This obviously reduces your trash, so saves you cash there, reduces your consumption of plastic bags, so again with the savings, and reduces your negative impact on the planet, especially if you recycle the baggies after. Still…

I have to wonder, with all the reusable sandwich and snack baggies and wraps available now, why are people still washing bags? Some may argue that you have to wash the reusable baggies or wraps too, which yeah does take water. However, have you ever seen reusable cloth baggies (SO small) it would take dozens, maybe hundreds to make up a full load which makes the water issue almost a moot point. And while cloth baggies or wraps cost more at start up, there’s no comparing costs in the long run. Cloth is cheaper. Cloth baggies can last years, while plastic baggies won’t. Cloth baggies save you time (no trips to the store) and they don’t add to your trash bill. Best of all, they’re healthier for the planet.

Here are some places to score good reusable baggies:

Plum Creek Mercantile - reusable, organic, Velcro closure, and last forever (I love mine, and my son has not lost any). About $25 for five bags of varying size.

Eco Sandwich/Snack Bags at Kathi’s Creations – cute designs about $5 a pop.

Kid Konserve – makes nice wraps that work like baggies. A killer deal too at just $25 for a set of five.

Better yet really save some cash and make your own reusable baggies!

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Today’s Thrifty Ramblings

Karen Weideman — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:01:36 +0000

I have a bunch of stuff rattling around in my mind and thought I’d let you in my little world.

I had to fill up with gas today. It’s $3.25/gallon!!! :sigh:

I stopped at another discount grocery store we have here. This one isn’t as nice as the one across town, but I picked up a few things. The store also carries some clearanced out Kohl’s clothing. Today I picked a fleece jacket for my daughter and a Thomas the Train robe for my son. Each were $2.99. I know it’s hard to imagine buying winter stuff when it’s so warm outside, but this is one of the things that saves me so much money.

Lowe’s Foods finally has more of the reusable bags in stock. I mentioned them a few weeks ago and they’ve been out ever since. Did you folks go and buy them all???? lol I had about 2800 pts, so I used 2500 pts to buy 2 more bags. Now I have 4 bags. As I said before, these bags hold a lot more than regular plastic bags. Each time I take these bags back to Lowe’s Foods, I’ll earn another 200 pts (50 pts/bag). Hopefully, if I get one more bag, I won’t have to use plastic anymore. “Oh happy day . . . ”

Don’t forget about the poll to the right.

It is so stinkin’ hot that we’ve had to turn on the a/c. Next week it’s supposed to be a bit cooler though. I like it when we don’t need any heat or air.

I’m making chicken parmesan for supper tonight. I need to share that recipe with you all sometime.

Well, I have a ton of newspapers to go through so I better go. What are you up to today? Do you have any plans for this weekend?

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Do You Bring Your Own Bags to the Store?

Karen Weideman — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:31:29 +0000

The recent article about reusable bags has brought about some good conversation. It’s time to poll our thrifty readers to see what you do. Do you have reusable bags that you take to the grocery store? Are you stuck on the plastic bags and couldn’t live without them? Let us know.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy