Bag Lady

 Contributed by Green Builder Media VISION House Director, Heather Wallace

One of the items I always take with me when I travel is a reusable grocery bag. Some of you may be thinking, “duh,” but you would be surprised how many people have not thought about packing this little necessity with them when they hit the road. It doesn’t matter if it’s a business trip or a vacation, it never fails that I need one.

Reusable bags don’t take up a lot of room and can be used for many things. On work trips I frequently use them for toting around product and collateral material to events as well as packing snacks and drinks during conferences like I did with a couple co-workers at IBS this year.  We also saved a ton of money by bringing our own food...always a plus.

When I’m on vacation I use reusable bags for beach, pool or touristy outings (good for a towel, sunscreen, a good book, water and a camera) as well as shopping local farmer’s markets.

And if you’re worried about appearances just remember…you don’t have to use the ugly bag that you got at the grocery store that tells everyone where you shop for food! Reusable bags are actually getting kind of chic!

For example, Envirosax is just one of the companies that makes a huge variety of original designer-type reusable bags for everyone – they even have a line just for kids.

I DO NOT encourage buying reusable bags to replace other completely functionable reusable bags – that would defeat the purpose – but I do think you can have a great bag that you keep in your suitcase that becomes your go-to reusable travel bag.

Not only will you be able to forgo using all those plastic bags people try to give you, you’ll also keep your “greenitude” (green attitude) with you wherever you go.

Next week…”My Top 3 Travel Items”.