I always use reusable grocery bags when I run errands. Otherwise, I end up having piles of plastic bags sitting in my home and going to waste. Of course, I recycle my plastic bags at the grocery store whenever I obtain them, but it’s always better to reuse items when possible.
As much as I love reusable shopping bags in general, they’re extra special to me when they’re stylish and reflect my interests. So, as an animal lover, I always enjoy using bags with animals on them. I have a lot of rescue dog themed ones at home, and I recently got some with other animals on them, such as elephants, turtles, and penguins. So, if you’re looking for the best reusable grocery bags for animal lovers, you’ve come to the right place.
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Benefits of Using Reusable Grocery Bags
I know that remembering to bring reusable bags into the store with you can be a hassle for many people, but I promise it’s worth it. These bags typically provide so many benefits for the environment and for you.
Reduce Plastic Waste
The most important aspect of reusable plastic bags is reducing plastic waste. About two million single-use plastic bags are used and wasted every minute around the world. The amount of energy needed to make only 12 plastic bags could drive a car for a mile.
Some locations have significantly reduced their plastic bag use by incorporating incentives to use reusable bags. With less plastic bags, there will be less litter, more saved energy, and less greenhouse gas emissions.
I understand that one person switching to reusable bags might not do much, but it still makes an impact, no matter how small. The less single-use plastic items we use, the better it will be for the environment.
More Space Per Bag
Of course, I believe helping the environment is a big enough reason to use reusable shopping bags. However, I also find them much easier to use than the small, flimsy plastic bags at the store. The large shopping bags I have can fit over twice as much as a regular plastic bag can, so it makes it much more convenient to carry and transport items.
Durable
Reusable grocery bags are a lot more durable than one-time plastic bags. If you put something heavy or sharp in a plastic bag, it has a high chance of ripping. Some people double bag items to prevent that, but then you’re using twice as many plastic bags. I’ve been using reusable bags for years, and I’ve only had a strap break once (and I sewed it back together, and it still works perfectly). The durability makes it so much easier to carry groceries.
Versatile
There are so many options for reusable bags out there. You can choose from different styles, materials, sizes, and designs. Some are made with biodegradable materials, some have insulation, and some are extra wide to hold more items. Choose bags that have the features you’re looking for to get added convenience.
Best Reusable Grocery Bags for Animal Lovers
There are plenty of great animal-themed reusable grocery bags out there. Below are a few adorable options that are available on Amazon.
I received these bags as a Christmas present, and I absolutely love them. It features bags with six adorable animal patterns: dogs, elephants, penguins, hedgehogs, turtles, and birds. They’re made of a strong waterproof fabric and can hold up to 40 pounds. When they’re not in use, they fold up for easy storage (but they easily stay upright when unfolded). BeeGreen has lots of other styles, sets, and patterns available too, so there are lots of reusable grocery bags to choose from.
This is another great BeeGreen product. It comes with six reusable bags, all of which have dog-themed patterns. These bags are made with a thinner material and thicker handles, but they can still hold up to 50 pounds. When they’re not in use, you can roll them up for easy storage. One of the best benefits of this bag style is that they’re machine-washable, so you don’t have to hand-wash them. I personally find the other style easier to use, but this is still a great option for reusable bags.
These reusable shopping bags stood out to me because of their extra durability, which allows them to stand upright effortlessly while you’re loading your groceries. Yet, they can still fold down for easy storage. The walls of the bags are made from recycled cardboard to add to their environmentally-friendly features. From a distance, they look like they have an abstract design, but if you look closer, you can see the outlines of adorable dogs.
These polyester grocery bags come in a set with five animal patterns, including dogs, cats, sloths, pigs, and llamas. Despite being lightweight, each bag can support up to 50 pounds. They can hold the capacity of about two to three single-use plastic bags. You can machine-wash these bags cold, and they roll up into small pouches to make them compact for storage. If these designs don’t appeal to you, there are other patterns available, including dog faces, cat faces, and flowers.
These reusable grocery tote bags come in a wide range of animal patterns, including ones featuring cats, dogs, owls, and dinosaurs. You can buy each bag individually, so you can pick and choose which ones you like best. These bags are lightweight and waterproof while holding up to 44 pounds. The bags are wider than the average bags and have thicker handles, making grocery shopping more convenient than ever.
This is another set of Earthwise bags. While they’re a thinner material than the ones mentioned above, they’re still spacious and strong with an adorable dog pattern. They’re made from sturdy laminated polypropylene that can easily stay upright. The reinforced handles make them easy to carry, even when filled with groceries. Earthwise has a lot of bags for sale, so if you don’t love these ones, browse their other options.
Finally, these lightweight shopping bags feature patterns with cats, elephants, and polar bears. They can easily be rolled up into a compact size for easy storage. Each bag can hold over 50 pounds and carry as much as two to three single-use plastic bags can. For added convenience, these bags are machine-washable while still remaining durable. There are other pattern options, including other animals along with simpler patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Reusable Grocery Bags Made of?
It depends on the bag. Most reusable grocery bags are made of cloth, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or recycled materials. All these materials have the capability of lasting for years, as long as they’re well-constructed. Check out product reviews to see how durable the bags are.
Can Reusable Grocery Bags Be Washed?
Yes, reusable grocery bags can be washed. Some need to be hand-washed while others can be thrown in the washing machine. Check the product details to determine the correct way to wash your bag based on its materials.
How Do You Store Reusable Grocery Bags?
There are lots of ways to store reusable shopping bags. Most bags fold up for easy storage. Then, you can keep them in a compartment of your car or a shelf near your door to ensure you don’t forget them when running errands.
Where Can I Buy Reusable Grocery Bags?
Many grocery stores sell reusable shopping bags to encourage consumers to reduce their plastic bag use. You can also buy them online (such as checking out the great products above).
How Many Reusable Grocery Bags Do I Need?
It depends on how many items you buy at once. Each reusable grocery bag is equal to about two or three single-use plastic bags, but that number may vary based on your bag’s exact size. Consider how many plastic bags you usually use at the grocery store and divide that number by two or three.
Get the Best Reusable Grocery Bags to Reduce Waste
With the best reusable grocery bags for animal lovers, you can have adorable shopping bags that benefit the environment while making errands more convenient for you. Have some in your car or near your door so you always remember to bring them on shopping trips. Once you get in the habit of using them, there’s a good chance you’ll never want to use one-use plastic bags again.
Looking for more ways to help animals in your daily life? Consider switching to some cruelty-free makeup brands.