Related Pages: Trader Joe's, Green your Home, Food and Grocery
by Trader Joe's
traderjoes.com
Description: Grocery shopping bag.
Category:
Green your Home, Food and Grocery
Keywords:
carry bag, handy
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!
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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!!
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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 A.'s keywords: reusable, grocery, shopping bags, plastic, paper bags, trader joes
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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!
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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 G.'s keywords: recycled shopping bag, reusable, store
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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.'s keywords: cheap grocery bags
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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 M.'s keywords: recycled, cheap
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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!
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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 C.'s keywords: waterproof bag, paper bag, plastic
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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 F.'s keywords: reusable grocery bags, green bags, tote bags, shopping, less waste
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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 K.'s keywords: eco friendly bag, paper bags
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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.
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Adam W. says:
Susanne - I noticed you gave this product 5 stars, but from your actual review it looks like you aren't a real fan - which is it? more »
Michelle F. says:
Susanne, you make an excellent point. I would assume that TJ would make "green" reusable bags......if what you say is indeed true, I'm really shocked. If a TJ representative reads this, please respond. Is this true? If... more »
Susanne M. says:
I didn't mean to give the product 5 stars. I didn't even realize there was a rating system. I do give points for offering and promoting reusable bags but I think that green consumers really need to think about all of... more »
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.'s keywords: recyclable bag, carry bags
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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 B.'s keywords: Trader Joes, reuseable grogery bags
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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 B.'s keywords: carry bag, reusable, foldable bag
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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 P.'s keywords: reusable bags
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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 P.'s keywords: bag, shopping, plastic, paper, reusable, style, color, pattern, cute, eco-friendly
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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 W.'s keywords: grocery bag, reusable bag
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Some of the things I love about this bag are:
1. They're super cheap!
2. They're usualy fun and colorful
3. They're strategically placed at the check-out for those of us who sometimes forget our bags
I haven't had mine for too terribly long, and it goes in rotation with my other resuable bags, so I can't speak for durability or lifespan, but I think they're pretty great!
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I have a lot of reusable bags, this is my only one like this. It is stiff, easy to wipe off, same size as a regular grocery bag. It is also great as the "outside" bag to put all the other floppier bags into to store next to the front door or in the car trunk. I think it is sturdier than the obiquitous cheaper bags now out there, and especially good for wet produce, or frozen foods since it wont soak through. Not biodegradable, though, like the organic canvas, but neither are most of the new ones. Would definitely recommend it.
Debra B.'s keywords: wateresistant, reusable, shopping bag, grocery bag
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User Comments:
Jenn A. says:
Great observation, Debbie -- I've had the same problem with self-checkout at Home Depot! Sadly, I'm noticing a trend at conferences away from quality, long lasting canvas tote bags and toward those horrible "Made in... more »