Reusable Bags on the Cheap

Forget those trendy “reusable” bags and opt for these cheap and chic bags that are most likely right in your closet.

Cosmetic freebees

If you’re like me, you have a closet full of free tote bags that you received with the purchase of $10 or more at your favorite cosmetic counter. Dust off those bags, place them in your trunk and put them to good use next time you go shopping. You might not be on the beaches of St Tropez, but a beach tote full of organic fruit is quite possibly the next best thing.

Diaper bags

Chic moms know that diaper bags have nothing to do with dirty diapers. But they also know that when their kids no longer need diapers, they are left with good sized bags that are perfect for carrying groceries and other store bought items.

Kids backpacks

Just because your child now prefers Hannah Montana to the Wiggles doesn’t mean you have to toss old his backpack from yesteryear. Use “out of date” backpacks to hold groceries, library books and videos next time you go shopping!

Old purses

The old, “pre-economic bust me” enjoyed a little retail therapy especially if it involved buying trendy purses at outlet stores and big box department stores. These days I use those old trendy purses as carry-alls at the grocery store. Yes, I put Wheaties and Honey Bunches of Oats in my gold lame hobo bag and have never felt more glamorous knowing I am helping the planet and saving a few dollars in the process.

Painted, laminated brown bags

This is an old teacher trick I learned during my tenure as a kindergarten teacher. Paint (or have your children paint) one side of a brown grocery bag. Take the bag to a store that has a large laminator such as Fed Ex Kinko’s or a teacher store. Laminate the bag and then use sharp scissor to slit open the bag’s opening, sides and bottom. It might be just as functional as a brown paper bag, but it is definitely prettier.