Monthly Challenge: Only Reusable Bags

The start of any month can feel like a resetting, a do-over, or a fresh slate. As Northeast Wisconsin's scenery and leaves change from bright shades of green to muted oranges and yellows, why not also change the way that you shop?

Running to the store for one or two things? If you are able, transport the items with your hands. Larger grocery hauls? Purchase reusable bags and keep a stash of them in your vehicle or in your mudroom area.

At check-out when you remember the bags in your car? (This one happens to me all the time) If you are shopping with someone else, send them to the vehicle to get the reusable bags before getting into line. If you are already in line, choose paper bags if that is an option. Paper bags are reusable, compostable, and recyclable.

Realistically, plastic bags still happen even if you are doing your best to avoid them. Find a craft or upcycling purpose for these plastic bags, or condense them into one bag (a bag of bags) and bring them to a plastic bag recycling drop off. These can be found at https://bagandfilmrecycling.org/ .