Reusable Grocery Bag by Trader Joe's

Heather K.
1 review
Send Message | Add to Friends

Any reuseable container for shopping is GREAT!

The bags are awesome! I actually use the Trader Joe's Red Hawaiian one's pictured. I have had them for over 2 years and they are still sturdy, intact and GREAT! I leave them in the car so I always have them whenever I stop anywhere. (The key is to USE them. ;-) ) They may have cost me 1$ a pop when I bought them, but the grocery stores I shop at give you a 5 cent per bag credit whenever you bring them in. The paid for themselves almost immediately!

For a few of the other questions people posed - I use the Debbie's green bags for my smaller produce. (i.e. jalapeno's, limes, grapes...) They are washable, and you can store the produce right in them when you get home. Plus the produce lasts longer in these reusable bags. The instructions say that they only last so long for storage use, but as far as using them for bringing home produce. They are great and last forever.

I also use cardboard boxes and lids in the produce department. You can usually ask for a box right there. Use for your stronger produce like pineapples, citrus, melon, bananas, onions, etc... at check out, you empty the box on the belt, and when they ring you up, either have them refil the box, or you do it.

OH! A tip for people who want to use these bags at self checkouts. Here is a trick. Make the first thing you ring up something that would be heavy and sit on the bottom of your bags. Put it in the bag BEFORE you put in on the scaled counter. It will not pick up on the small weight addition of the bag so you can use them. Do this for every bag you add.

Heather's keywords: reusable grocery bags reusable containers produce

Kathleen R.
1 review
Send Message | Add to Friends

Trader Joe's cloth bags

I use their cloth bags and really like them. They are durable and really do hold a lot of contents. The only thing I would change is that they stand up on their own. I have a couple reusable bags for a local grocer and they have a cloth insert that allows them to stand on their own which makes them easier to manage when your hands are full! All in all, however, I definitely recommend reusable bags over anything else. Not only are they far more durable, but they drastically cut down on waste.

Kathleen's keywords: cloth bags reusable bags grocery

Elli A.
21 reviews
Send Message | Add to Friends

This is one of those things that are thrown in our trunk. I used it a few times, it's pretty sturdy and so far holds on OK. Nothing much to say about it, it’s a bag. As long as it does not fall apart and cost too much, it does what its supposed to: Reduce waste of shopping bags.

As a side note, these bags are more practical in general than the throw away bags, since they are a lot stronger and can take more weight. The paper bags especially are not strong, and when I buy heavy stuff (juices) they put two, one inside the other so they don’t fall apart (and they still do).

If you need more reasons, look here: http://www.greengorilla.com and show it to your kids as well!

Elli's keywords: shopping bags reduce waste

Debbie P.
8 reviews
Send Message | Add to Friends

Something You Just Can't Buy

I feel it is important to REUSE bags you get at conventions, trade shows, car shows, etc. In a sustainable world, we buy less product and therefore manufacture less product, creating less pollution and using less of our non-renewable resources.

The reusable bags for purchases are great, but we now need some type of very lightweight bag for produce at grocery stores - so we don't use the plastic/paper produce bags. (the weight of a canvas bag is too heavy to weigh the produce). (any ideas?)

AND, a side note - the new self check outs at stores are NOT set up for canvas bags, only for plastic. In fact, they don't work with your own bags. You have to get a store staff person to override the system. AND, 9 times out of 10, I get an attitude from my "check out person" when I ask them to bag into my bags and not into the traditional plastic or paper.

So I'm not reviewing a new product, but an old one - those reusable bags I gather from those that MUST have giveaways at their events are a very good, sustainable product!

So, let's all keep on trying until we accomplish the no plastic or paper bag goal!!

Debbie's keywords: reusable bags lightweight bag grocery canvas bag

Mike A.
16 reviews
Send Message | Add to Friends

I Use These Bags for All Shopping

I have about 6 Trader Joe's Reusable bags and use them in most shopping situations. They are cheap but sturdy and very convenient. I would like to see TJs phase out normal paper and plastic (like our local Whole Foods is doing) or maybe charge a small usage tax (like some local governments) on plastic bags to discourage their use. I think that would help speed progress on this important issue.

Mike's keywords: reusable grocery shopping bags plastic paper bags trader joes

M A.
2 reviews
Send Message | Add to Friends

Love the bag and reuse it all the time

I like how TJ's has added a bit of spunk to their bags.
Using a TJ's bag says, I'm smart. It says I know how to get deals (TJ's often has great deals), I am environmentally friendly, and I am fun (cute patterns on their bags).
Their bags are also very durable and good for more than just bring home the bacon. I am an industrial design student, so I work in a machine shop. I have been using a TJ bag to haul some of my tools and paint around - same bag for the last three years without a rip!

M's keywords: reusable durable

David G.
2 reviews
Send Message | Add to Friends

Awesome

I support the use of reusable bags for shopping, especially those made with recycled materials such as Trader Joe's uses. I use reusable bags every time I go to the store and they are a lot less hassle than all those paper and plastic bags that pile up. I recommend this product because of it's fashion statement. They don't have to be hidden because they could be used as a decoration!

David's keywords: recycled shopping bag reusable store

Kat S.
1 review
Send Message | Add to Friends

It is a no brainer....

Plastic bags are a new thing that has gone too far. They are all over...the streets, in bushes, our waterways and in our landfills. This can be prevented by carrying in your own bag, that gets used over and over again. And they are selling them cheap all over the place!

Kat's keywords: cheap grocery bags

Adri M.
7 reviews
Send Message | Add to Friends

Funky bags

I like the Trader Joe's bags because of the patterns, the recycled materials used, and the fact that they are waterproof. I prefer heavy duty cloth or canvas bags, however, because they tend to be easier to clean. Whole Foods makes a bag that is produced from 80% recycled soda bottles. I think the Trader Joe's bag is produced from a lesser quantity...so I wonder...where is the plastic or polyester coming from? Is it new petroleum products? Hopefully people will reuse these bags instead of just accumulating them whenever they go to the store. But like I said, the designs are cute.

Adri's keywords: recycled cheap

Leah B.
3 reviews
Send Message | Add to Friends

Trader Joe's Reusable Grocery Bags

Even though I live in a community where the nearest Trader Joe's is 30 minutes away, I shop with these bags to every retailer/grocery store in my area. It opens up a dialogue about why I bring my own bags and where the nearest Trader Joe's are. Some of our local grocers will also credit us for ever bag we bring in!
I love the Trader Joes bags because they are able to be wiped clean (no machine washing needed here), they are water resistant and very durable. We have invested in 4 and keep 2 in each automolbile, unless we are heading out for a larger shopping trips, then all 4 are taken along!

Leah's keywords: grocery shopping bag

Beth C.
1 review
Send Message | Add to Friends

Reusable Grocery Bags are the way to go!

My reusable grocery bag is not only waterproof and durable, it holds quite a few items as well. Definitely have saved several plastic and paper bags since I have bought one. The bags are cheap and one goes a long way! I would recommend this item to everyone, single people and families alike.

Beth's keywords: waterproof bag paper bag plastic

Michelle F.
7 reviews
Send Message | Add to Friends

Love Them

I no longer am in a state that has a TJ's...sad sad day, but I love their bags. They are sturdy and cute. I did run in to one of their bags at a dinner party on Saturday. One of the guests brought food in one. They had recently been out of town and picked up some things at TJ's. Reusable bags are such an easy way to make a big impact on the amount of trash we produce....I throw mine in hte back of the car and keep them there so they are with me when i need them.

Michelle's keywords: reusable grocery bags green bags tote bags shopping less waste

Sheila K.
1 review
Send Message | Add to Friends

Trader Joe reusable bags

I am certain that the reviews for these bags have all been positive, as is mine. Over the past 2 years, Trader Joe has been adding to its ecco friendly bags, and now they have added a bag in which to carry wine bottles home. No excuses now for carrying paper bags.

Sheila's keywords: eco friendly bag paper bags

Susanne M.
1 review
Send Message | Add to Friends

How eco responsible are the Trader Joe's bags?

I don't want to discourage anyone from using reusable bags but please take a minute to think about all of your options; where your reusable bags are made and under what labor conditions as well as what toxic materials your bags is made out of?

Trader Joe's reusable bags are all made in China and most likely under working conditions that would not be allowed in this country - which is why they are all cheap. Also the colorful plastic coated bags that are all 'so cute' are coated with a nasty PVC (poly vinyl chloride) film which is TERRIBLE for the environment it emits toxic ozone depleting gases upon manufacturing and material breakdown. So please take a minute to think about what your real impact is on the environment with your reusable bag purchase, the labor conditions and the environment.

Susanne's keywords: trader joes reusable bag labor conditions toxic

Sheryl S.
3 reviews
Send Message | Add to Friends

Great Idea!!

I think this is a great product and a great Idea. It is not that practical for large amounts of grocery shopping but can be used for small amounts of stuff. The are not only recyclable but stylish too. I highly recommend these bags.

Sheryl's keywords: recyclable bag carry bags

Maureen B.
2 reviews
Send Message | Add to Friends

Trader Joes Shopping Bags

I LOVE my Trader Joes reuseable bags. They fold up easily, and tuck into my trunk. I also love that they have flat bottoms, and handles. They are so much better than those flimsy plastic bags the grocery store gives out. Switch over to these handy bags and help our environment!!

Maureen's keywords: Trader Joes reuseable grogery bags

Cris Bisch
439 reviews
Send Message | Add to Friends

Trader Joe's Reusable Bag

When visiting Seattle last week, and shopping at Trader Joe's, I purchased one of their fun, reusable shopping bags. It's big, and sturdy with strong handles for carrying a lot of groceries in the rain, plus I was able to use it to haul a heavy load of books and gifts home on the train with me.

Cris' keywords: carry bag reusable foldable bag

Lisa P.
2 reviews
Send Message | Add to Friends

Trader Joe's Red Reusable Grocery Bag

One of the reasons why I like this bag over some of my other canvas bags is that it's a tall bag making it great for boxed items and being able to fit a lot of lighter items in one bag. Items don't move around so much in this bag and helps to keep my bread from getting smashed. If one of your items spills or leaks, it's easy to clean with a wet rag and won't seep thru like a canvas bag.

Lisa's keywords: reusable bags

Stephanie P.
196 reviews
Send Message | Add to Friends

Style and substance for $2

We all need to be carrying our own shopping bags to stores, but remembering to bring bags with me has always been my challenge. When I saw a girl on the train this week with a really cute, colorful, patterned shopping bag, I had to hurry to get a closer view of it. Lo and behold, it was a Trader Joe's reusable shopping bag, with a collaged image of a ship. I only shop at TJ a few times a year, but now I have to go there and get that bag. I will definitely remember to bring it with me, as it is so fun and stylish, to every store I visit. Keep up the good work Trader Joes!

Stephanie's keywords: bag shopping plastic paper reusable style color pattern cute eco-friendly

Suzan W.
4 reviews
Send Message | Add to Friends

Another Great Trader Joe's Product

To avoid using plastic bags I used to carry my groceries or have them placed back in the wagon. That wasn't always practical, especially when I had more than a few items. These bags solved that problem. Their size, shape and durability make them perfect to use not just at Trader Joe's, but at any grocery of drugstore. I leave them in the car so even if I stop unexpectedly, I have them to use.

Suzan's keywords: grocery bag reusable bag