Tote bags seems to be something we all collect, even if we don’t mean to. I’ve bought some myself, but also gotten them for free at events (the one pictured is from the Fringe Festival in 2018!). Since we all have them, they’re one of the easiest sustainable swaps you can use.

I keep at least one in my bags whenever I go out, just in case I end up buying something unexpectedly. They’re easy to pack groceries in, and instantly more stylish than a plastic grocery sack, not to mention bigger and more durable! Lots of places are now charging for plastic bags, which makes it even easier to switch to reusable ones. While plastic bags definitely have their used, even just reducing the ones you need can help.

In the last two years, I think I’ve bought and used a plastic bag maybe four times. Whenever I get down about using too much plastic, I think about all the plastic bags I’ve avoided using just by keeping a reusable bag on me. And you don’t need to buy a new one! See what you already have, you can even DIY one with an old Tshirt or pillowcase.