RULES OF THUMB

Over 1 billion plastic bags are thrown away annually, so bringing a (reusable) shopping bag is crucial.

• Take reusable bags, preferably made from Eco-Friendly Fibres →.

• Ensure the bag’s material suits the usage it will get.

• Avoid forgetting it when shopping by keeping one in a convenient place, like a handbag, rucksack, car boot, or bike basket. Some have carabiners that can be easily attached to your key ring, for example.

• Have a foldable one with a strap to fix it, so you can always have it at hand, in your handbag, or your pocket.

WHERE TO BUY REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS?

Reusable bags made from organic cotton or recycled materials are widely available in various shops and online. A few good sellers are:

• Ballenito (Germany only)

• Chico Bag

• Coromandel (Germany only)

• Ecobags

• Envirosax

• Gary Mash

• Loqi

• For business owners, check out providers, such as CustomEarth Promos or Reuse This Bag.

SINGLE-USE BAG REDUCTION MEASURES

There are some initiatives in place to decrease the consumption of single-use bags:

• ‘Pick a Bag’ stations let you take a cloth bag if you’ve forgotten one and replace it next time.

• Bags made from recycled plastic like PET bottles.

• Exchange schemes where you buy a bag, and the shop replaces it every time it is worn out.

PLASTIC VS. PAPER BAGS

Although paper bags can be easily recycled or decomposed, producing them emits more CO2 than making plastic bags and requires more water and raw materials.

• To offset this, paper bags would need three times as much use, but since they largely also only get used once, they’re just as bad for the environment as using plastic. 

• Reusable bags beat both, plastic and paper bags.

COMPOSTABLE VS. BIODEGRADABLE BAGS

Only compostable bags belong in your organic waste or compost. If you choose between a compostable bag and a biodegradable bag, then select the compostable bag. Compostable bags or packaging material decomposes quickly without leaving any residue and is harmless to soil and the environment.

Learn more

Check our sources: Bibliography →