mom hacks
The Best Reusable
Shopping Bags
The ban on single-use plastic bags is now in effect — here are our favorites for NYC life By IsaBelle Bousquette
I
t’s time to get your hands on some reusable shopping bags, New Yorkers! The statewide ban on single-use plastic bags went into effect on March 1st, 2020. Every retail establishment that pays a sales tax, from grocery to clothing stores, will be switching to paper bags. More likely than not, they’ll be charging 5 cents for those bags. So instead
Best Produce Bag: Net Zero Double Handle Cotton Net Market Tote Bag If you’re a frequent produce shopper, check out Net Zero’s Double Handle Cotton Net Market Tote Bag. The double strap design means this bag functions as a both handbag and over-the-shoulder bag for when it gets heavier. The straps are 100% cotton and are very durable. You can fill the bag with cans, and it still won’t break (although it won’t look as aesthetic as it does filled with fruit). The mesh style is not necessarily the best pick for comprehensive grocery shopping. However, it is perfect for a trip to the farmer’s market or a romantic stroll down the produce aisle! $18.99, netzerocompany. com
10
NewYorkFamily.com | March 2020
of getting flustered at the checkout counter (should you just spring for the extra 5 cent bag or can you carry a carton of milk for five blocks?) come prepared with a reusable shopping bag! But with so many great reusable shopping bags out there, how do you find the one that’s right for you? For New Yorkers who walk everywhere (except the places they take the subway), portability
Best Collapsable Bag: BeeGreen Basic Reusable Grocery Bags The adorable patterns aren’t the best part of the BeeGreen Basic Reusable Grocery Bags (although they’re close). These bags fold up into a square pouch, meaning they’re easy to carry around in your purse or pocket. Then, when you’re ready to do your grocery shopping, unfold and fill them with as much as you can. The reinforced stitching means they’re able to carry up to 50 lbs! The BeeGreen bags are so compact, you can keep one with you at all times. That way, if you decide to make a spur of the moment stop at the supermarket, you’re always prepared.$14.55 for a pack of five, beegreenbags.com
and convenience are key. We want the bags that zip up and fit in our purses when we’re not using them. Bags that don’t tear from the hustle and bustle of NYC streets. Bags that say: “I’m prepared, I’m environmentally conscious, and yes, I’m a New Yorker.” With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a list of the best reusable shopping bags that, like you, are ready to take on the big city.
Best Fashionable Bag: Verloop Knits Gossamer Reversible Bag This bag from Verloop is made of gorgeous iridescent gossamer and comes in a rainbow of fun colors. It’ll catch the sunlight as easily as it’ll catch all your friends’ attention. It won’t necessarily hold as much as other reusable shopping bags, but what it lacks in volume, it makes up for in style. Straight from Verloop’s Spring/Summer 2020 collection, this is a bag that’s definitely high fashion. And, if you’re passionate about mindfully created, innovative products, it’s worth checking out the rest of Verloop’s line. Who knows? You might find a gorgeous gossamer scarf to match your reusable bag! $34, shop.verloopknits.com
