grocery adventures (take two)

We had a few person bags made as gifts.  They say, "Please take note!  Always bring a tote!"

our pile of cloth bags (one for the library books, a bunch for the car, etc.)

We've been making our own fabric drawstring bags for when the plastic runs out.

Dearest Hannah,

Thankfully for you, I had another grocery adventure, but this time all by myself.  As a mother of two small children, I relish my time alone, even if it is spent strolling down grocery store aisles.  This time I went armed with bunches of plastic bags shoved into a paper towel tube, a couple plastic tubs, and a baggie of twist ties.  The local Winco has an enormous amount of goods in the bulk section.  I found my Parmesan cheese, organic spaghetti noodles, coffee creamer, and dry cat food in bulk.  (The cat's intestines didn't react well to the dry food, but we loved the pasta and cheese.)  I came home with 20 plastic bags full of bulk and produce items, a tub of local blackberry honey, and an extra $0.06 for each reused bulk and grocery bag.  (My mom says each cashier has a different rule on bag refunds and you can't get more than $2.)  I reused my bags because I felt it was the right thing to do, and found that I could also earn some money back by making that choice.

We've been able to share our old plastic bags with the local library who gives them out to patrons with loads of books.  And we pick up our library books and groceries in fabric bags.  In my spare moments here and there... they aren't plentiful... I've assembled some fabric bags that will eventually be our bulk bags when the fabric bags wear out.  And for now, we're saving our old holy plastic bags for recycling at Far West Fibers.  Progress is being made and I had another fun outing to the grocery store.  This time I got to rock out to my music alone in the car and discover new things to buy without new packaging.  Who could ask for more?

Wrapped with love,
your mama