Reusable grocery bag = HARDWARE handbag

This isn't a new idea but it certainly is a good one, so take your HARDWARE shopping....grocery shopping that is.

If you don’t have a HARDWARE bag just take any empty tote or large handbag on your next 'mini' shopping trip! With all the gargantuan handbags out there I know you have at least one you can fill with more than a loaf of bread.

With two little kids and a busy schedule I find myself at the grocery store.....a lot! I take my HARDWARE Shopper (below) and put my wallet and few essentials in one of the extra large pockets. Since the stainless steel handles are connected with cable (the kind tow-trunks use to tow cars) the handles will never break free from the body of the bag, unlike a paper bag. Our nylon canvas handbags also have a lot of body so the bag will stand upright and open without collapsing. I just stuff it to the brim with groceries and bypass the paper, plastic and guilt.

So pat yourself on the back the next time you go to the store and bring your own handbag in lieu of paper or plastic...there's nothing wrong with being stylish and eco-friendly at the same time.

P.S. For those big grocery trips I use the re-usable bags from my favorite specialty grocer, Trader Joe’s. You gotta love Trader Joe's!

(images by HARDWARE & Trader Joes)