Reusable bags are nothing new to us as a society. In fact, these bags have been around for quite some time. They have just undergone a variety of face lifts over the past century. Today, almost everywhere you go you can find tote bags. Whether they are for sale in a store or being carried around by another individual down the street. So, that might leave you wondering, how did tote bags become so popular? 

What are reusable tote bags?

Reusable tote bags are a type of bag that can be reused many times. They are a great alternative to single-use plastic bags. Originally reusable tote bags were designed for the purpose of carrying items from grocery or retail stores. Over time users have found that they can take their tote bags with them everywhere. Making them one of the most versatile items in their closet!

The rise of the reusable tote bag.

Let us go back to the late 1980’s. By this time, most grocery and retail stores had made the switch to plastic bags. People began to realize that these plastic bags were polluting the environment. As a result, in the early 1990’s reusable bags emerged onto the scene. These bags came in a variety of materials including cotton and nylon and featured various shapes and sizes.

So how did tote bags become so popular? Over time the reusable bag movement continued to gain traction. Many consumers began to home in on the simple actions they could take to go green. This included reducing their plastic consumption. Tote bags became a widespread alternative to plastic bags because of the many ways in which you can use them. A reusable tote bag is not just for grocery shopping anymore. They can now be used in various aspects of your everyday life. Today’s tote bags are stylish, durable, and comfortable to carry. They also can withstand a considerable amount of weight.

What makes tote bags environmentally friendly?

By making the simple switch to reusable tote bags, you are already taking steps to help the environment. A single reusable bag can replace two shopping bags per trip, two times per week. Which is 16 bags per month and 192 bags each year that are saved from landfills! Many of the materials used to make tote bags are recycled. For instance, a recycled cotton canvas material is made with recycled PET bottles (the bottles used for soda or water). This material also utilizes recovered cotton that would otherwise be wasted during the spinning, weaving, and cutting process. Giving new life to both plastic bottles and discarded cotton.

Although plastic bags are recyclable, they are not always easy to recycle. This is because the plastic bags tend to get caught up in the sorting machines at transfer stations. Many States and Cities throughout the United States (and even across the World) have begun to implement plastic bag bans or are charging a fee to provide plastic bags. This is their way of promoting the use of reusable tote bags while shopping. By switching to reusable tote bags, you will save money in the long run. Especially if you live in an area where a fee is charged for the use of plastic bags.

We would love to hear more about how you are using your reusable tote bags. Let us know in the comment section below!