Did you know that Planet Ark estimates that an astounding 100 000 marine animals are killed each year by plastic bags each year? That's a huge number! So what can we do? With the lifespan of about seven hundred disposable plastic bags, reusable shopping bags are the best option. The type of bag (be it polypropolene, canvas or nylon) proves somewhat irrelevant. The production of each of these bags places a varied impact on the environment, but ultimately what matters is that you're reusing them. On average, use of reusable plastic bags over a lifetime saves over 22 000 plastic bags. 

There are a large range of enviro-bags available. More commonly, you can buy them from the checkout at your local supermarket, but you can also purchase various kinds online. Here are a few of my favourites:

Envirosax

Envirosax come in tonnes of different colours and styles. They can be used for shopping as well as tote bags, beach bags or even book bags for the kids. They're sturdy, durable and have hold up to 20kg and they wont fade or weaken in the washing machine. 

Stuffit

Stuffit provide a compact, practical and sturdy shopping bag that stuff into a neat little pocket for storage. Keep one in your car or handbag so you always have one, making it easier to say no to plastic bags!

Home Made

Why not be a little more environmentally friendly and recycle your old linen or t-shirts into brilliant new shopping bags? Obviously, depending on what you want to use your bags for the type of fabric you use would depend on how much it can carry. Maybe try using some bright and funky fabric and encourage your kids to use them for sports or sleepovers too! 

Do you use reusable shopping bags? If you do, which ones do you find to be best? 

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Lucy Gilkison

Lucy Gilkison is a 19 year old nursing student living in Sydney, Australia. She aspires to work in pediatrics/adolescent mental health when she graduates. Spending most of her time reading or writing, she thrives on any opportunity to build on her ideas and opinions. Currently recovering from severe depression, bulimia nervosa and an anxiety disorder, she's passionate about raising awareness of mental health and reducing the stigma.

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