Reusable bags are finally growing in popularity around here; unfortunately some money hungry businesses are charging an arm and a leg for them. Buying reusable bags doesn’t have to leave you with an empty wallet. There are inexpensive reusable bags to buy and sometimes they are even given away for free. To find cheap or even free reusable bags below are a few tips.

1. As always check out these places first: flea markets, Garage sales, thrift stores, Salvation Army, donation centers, Freecycle, Craigslist, family, friends, neighbors and so on. These types of places should almost always be the places you go to first to find still useable and in good shape second hand material. Why buy new when you can buy something already available and much cheaper in price.

2. Your local store wants your business and they understand the growing need for eco-friendly foods products and reusable bags. This is why many are beginning to sell reusable bags with their store logo on it at a very reasonable price.

I like to shop at Brookshire Brothers. In the past two years their eco-line has grown rapidly and now they carry reusable bags too for 88 cents each. They aren’t flimsy reusable bags either. They are sturdy (much more so than plastic), washable, carry a lot of groceries (much more than plastic), fold and open easily and on top of all that they look nice. I’ve used these bags a number of times.

Some stores I’ve heard like, Whole Foods, gives you a small refund every time you use your reusable bags. That’s awesome. If only all grocery stores could follow along.

Some local stores offer reusable bags for free on special occasions or as a trade in for plastic bags. If you went shopping on Earth Day you may have received a reusable bag.


3. Take a survey for a free bag at Earthbound Farm


4. Design a bag at the Kroger website get a free reusable bag and be entered to win $500. “Each reusable bag has the potential to eliminate an average of 1,000 plastic bags over its lifetime,” Kroger website.

5. Buy in bulk if you want nice looking bags. For example, at Reusablebags.com, the more you buy the more you save. Chances are if you shop once or twice a month you will need several bags to bag your groceries, so go ahead and buy several. I shop about every two weeks and about 5 reusable bags will do. How many you will need depends on the size you choose.

6. Make your own reusable bag. This will save you a ton of money and you can make them as big, colorful and comfortable as you like. If you can sew or know someone that can and you have some extra fabric around the house consider making your own reusable bags. In fact make as many as you can. What ever you don’t need you can give as gift to your friends. For free pretty handmade reusable bags patterns and instructions go to, Chica and Jo, The Creative Thimble, The Patterns That Fit You or to Make It Easy.

7. Look into environmental groups and even your city for reusable bags. Sometimes they hold green events and they hand out free reusable bags. Check out what is going on in your area.

More places to look:
CYMA
Target
The Good Human