Reusable Grocery Bag Round-Up: It’s in the Bag!

Envirosax

Envirosax

Beautiful patterns make these bags impossible to miss! Dubbed the ‘original designer reusable bag,’ Envirosax bags ($8.50) are made from strong polyester fabric and can hold up to 44 pounds. Jennifer Garner and Jessica Alba have both been spotted toting them around and it’s no wonder!

Envirosax bags are cool, colorful and convenient — plus they’re environmentally friendly. I love the Kids Series ($8.50) which sports bright, whimsical animal prints that your children will love. And the 5-in-1 pouches ($38 ) are a perfect starter option for anyone who wants to try out reusable bags.

See more of our favorites below!

Acme

Acme

The ACME Workhorse bag ($6) was one of the first of its kind. Sized almost exactly like a standard grocery store plastic bag, they’re made of heavy-duty, water- and mildew-resistant rip-stop nylon and can hold up to 25 pounds.

They also fold easily into a little pouch (sewn on the inside of the bag) so they’re compact enough to stash in your purse. Although they’re not exactly high fashion, they come in colorful, chic solids that go with everything.

Flip and Tumble

Flip and Tumble

Flip and Tumble is more than just a cute name! The company’s bags ($9 – buy more and the price decreases) are incredibly designed. I love how easy they are to fold up and unfold again, thanks to a conveniently attached (inside the bag) stretchy pouch.

It sure comes in handy when you’re standing in the grocery store line with a toddler in your arms. You just flip it out and hand it to the cashier. No fiddling required. The longer, single strap is also nice for carrying heavier loads. And the bright color combinations make me smile.

RuMe

RuMe

If Jessica Alba and Nicole Richie are carting their things around in RuMe bags ($10), you know there must be something great about them. And there is. These bags are made from water-resistant polyester, they’re machine washable, they have a long handle for easy over-the-shoulder carrying and they can hold up to 50 pounds!

Plus, they even have a program to recycle the bags when they wear down (which takes a long, long time — trust me!). Available in a number of sizes and tons of gorgeous prints, RuMe even has tiny baggies for snacks, cosmetics and whatever else you can think to toss into them!

There are loads of other great reusable bags out there — these are just my top picks. Feel free to tell us about your favorites in the comments section below.

– Stephanie

Comments

i love the envirosax. i bought them a year ago and i keep two in my purse at all times. they’re extremely durable and hold a huge amount of groceries, and the strip fits over my shoulder so i can carry a bunch of stuff out the door if i need to. it’s made it really easy for me to phase out paper and plastic.

- courtney on October 31st, 2009

I love these too! I keep one rolled up in my purse all the time. I second Courtney, they do hold a HUGE amount of groceries–I’m always surprised by it!

These are really awesome!

- Annie on October 31st, 2009

Yes, I agree with both of you, the Envirosax are awesome and yes, I have one in my bag at all times too!

- Anne on October 31st, 2009

I have 3 of these, I bought them for less than a dollar at Carrefour.

- Anna on October 31st, 2009

For those who have Trader Joes near by they make some pretty cool bags for a buck or two!

- Cece on October 31st, 2009

Vera Bradley has a special right now (through the 2nd or until supplies last) in retailers. They have two Vera inspired nylon sacks for 18.00. They are hot pink and blue and come in a tidy little lime green pouch. I got them and they are great. I was going to use them for the first time tonight but I needed the plastic bags for use as trash can liners. TMI, but I use plastic grocery bags for scooping kitty droppings.

- Meesh on November 1st, 2009

I love the look of the flip and tumble, but have not seen them advertised in the UK, time to start looking

- Louise on November 1st, 2009

I like chico bags. They are awesome. Also, they do a great fundraiser for schools and organizations, my day school has participated in the fundraiser twice with good success.

- hermowninny on November 1st, 2009

The 5 in 1s look interesting. I may try them out, as I usually use disposable ones. Does anyone have them and like them? Are they easily breakable. I would probably get the 5 in 1s, use them, and then use disposables for whatevers left over (we get a lot of groceries) because I do reuse the disposables sometimes.

- Erika on November 1st, 2009

I was given the 5 in 1 envirosax and i have used them so many times. They hold so much, and the pack of them is so small that I always have it in my purse. I love love love them and plan to gift them this holiday.

- steph on November 1st, 2009

I also use Chico bags and they are awesome. The fold up really compactly. Easy to keep in a purse or glovebox. They look similar to the Acme bags.

I’ve also bought/been given for free reusable bags at the local grocery stores. They are bulkier to store but nice because they can go over my shoulder.

- Charity on November 1st, 2009

I love the RuMe Bags, they are stylish and functional. I used them for groceries, shopping and carrying my yoga gear. Since I got the RuMe baggies, I have not used a sandwich bag – makes so much sense to carry snacks and grapes to work. The straps are long enough to go over a coat. I also like the bags by Reisenthel too.

- Jacqueline on November 1st, 2009

I love ECOBAGS reusable bags… they are made from Organic cotton and have lasted me for years. They have these really cool Classic String Bags that I use for my fruits and vegetables and I also take another set of them to the gym and as beach bags… definitely worth it – I love them!

- Jenny on November 2nd, 2009

I love Baggu, available at endless.com. They are sold in sets and come in great colors and prints for a great price.

- Kay on November 2nd, 2009

RuMe are my favorite!

- Kelly on November 2nd, 2009