It's March 2, and just sixty-one days into 2007, Reusablebags.com estimates that over 82.7 billion bags have been used so far this year. Other countries are doing better than the US on this, with several large chains in Europe and Asia now charging for plastic bags, or giving incentives and discounts to those who bring their own.

In fact, IKEA recently announced that its US stores will begin charging 5 cents for each plastic bag, beginning March 15. They are hoping to cut their contribution of 70 million plastic bags in the US to half in the first year, eventually phasing them out. To help with this, IKEA's reusable bags will be discounted from 99 cents to 59 cents.

Beat them to the punch and start bringing your own bags everywhere. Often, we have lots of worthy reusable bags hanging around the house. However, sometimes it is nice to have special bags just for your groceries. When looking, you'll probably have lots of options. You'll want to weigh what works better for you be it nylon, organic cotton, or hemp. Stay away from vinyl bags (we don't like that toxic material) and regular canvas (conventional cotton - lots of pesticides).

Like to wear your heart on your sleeve? Consider also picking up a Plastic Bags Blow organic tee from Reusablebags.com. Its the softest t-shirt we've ever had and it comes with a bonus: This shirt keeps you honest. Try going to the grocery store in your "bring your own bag" shirt and asking for plastic bags.

Once you've got your bags and your mind in the right place, all you need to do is remember to bring them with you. If you walk, you might want to look for a super compact bag and keep it in your pocket or purse. Also always keep some by the front door. If you drive, toss them in your trunk and they'll always be there when you need them.

Rebecca says: I've been on the BYOBag journey for about six months now. I have four hemp bags plus some cloth produce bags, so that I don't use those clear bags for the veggies, either. I have also started switching to larger purses, to give me a place to stash random items I might purchase when walking around on the weekends. Overall, it's been a good experience. Sometimes you'll meet people that are so impressed with you and you'll feel very proud. Other times you'll meet people that want nothing to do with your bags, or will bag something in plastic and then put the plastic bag into your reusable one. Read one of my random experiences here.

Still not convinced about the age old paper vs. plastic, with the solution being NEITHER?

Reusablebags.com Paper vs Plastic

EPA New England: Paper or Plastic

Additional resources:

Bring Your Own

Bring Your Own Blog

Green Options Tip o' the Day: BYOB (Bottle, that is)

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