We’ve all been there. We pull up to the grocery store with 1-3 kids in tow and we forgot our reusable bags. We huff at ourselves, but it’s too late to go back. We’re getting this shopping done.
BUT! What if, for a month, my family makes the rule that we aren’t allowed to get the shopping done if it means bagging in plastic or paper? The consequence is a drive back home to get those bags we forgot or buying MORE reusable bags. Could that cure my family of forgetting bags?
Real talk: We hate wasting money and time, so I think we’ll be coming up with a perfect reusable bag system in no time.
This February, my husband and I are going 100% plastic (and paper) bag free. And not like last month’s Paper Towel Ban when we realized we do appreciate the occasional paper towel. We really hate getting those plastic bags so we are focusing, giving ourselves consequences, and forcing ourselves to stop.
This is a bigger deal for my husband since he does most of our grocery shopping. So big applause for him being on board. And not just because I’m writing about it, but because he’s super into it!! Yayyyy Patrick!!!!
Our Supplies
- Reusable Shopping Bags. Mostly freebies we’ve collected over the years.
- Reusable Produce Bags. Yes! Handmade from pen&thimble! We use these! Have held up and wash well (especially on CSA day when our veggies are sporting that gorgeous earth on them still).
- Determination. Failure is not an option.
Who is with us? A month of no-excuses when it comes to those plastic bags! Have thoughts, suggestions, or want to join in? Look for this image on Instagram in my feed @penandthimble with hashtag #wastefreecurious. I’ll be posting about our experiences on Instagram and I’ll be back here on the blog with an update later this month!
Are You Waste Free Curious Too?
If producing less waste is something you might be into this year, I’d love if you’d join me! Follow my personal and business waste-free journey from the comfort of your inbox. Sign up to so you don’t miss a thing: Click here to sign up! You’ll get a plastic-free produce storage cheat sheet just for signing up! Also, I’m using the hashtag #wastefreecurious on Instagram to share our waste free journey. I’ve just started the hashtag and I’m sharing our waste free wins and fails and tough spots with a mix of posts and Stories. So come on over!
pen&thimble 