Reusable shopping bags: start a revolution and ban unnecessary single-use plastics | Photo: Creative Commons

The increasing amount of plastic waste is slowly killing our oceans.

As surfers and citizens, we are part of the environment, so it's in our hands to help fight this calamity.

Simple actions like replacing single-use bags with reusable kind can have a bigger impact than you think.

In the face of large-scale events, small actions taken by many usually result in a more effective impact. If every person does their small part, it's a game-changer.

When we talk about ocean pollution, we are mainly speaking of waste - lots and lots of non-biodegradable plastic waste.

Plastic is everywhere, and when you start recycling, it becomes more evident: the plastic disposer is usually the first to get full.

The food industry strongly contributes to this situation by wrapping every single product - including fresh foods - in plastic packaging.

And what do you use to take home your plastic-packed goods? Plastic or paper single-use bags.

Plastic bags heavily add to the problem, as they take between 10 and 1,000 years to decompose.

Paper bags, on the other hand, contribute to deforestation, except when they are made of 100 percent recycled paper.

Plastic bags: a threat to the oceans and marine life | Photo: Shutterstock

Light, Washable, Durable, Heavy Duty, and Eco-Friendly Grocery Bags

The most environmentally friendly option is to replace single-use bags with reusable ones to ensure the largest possible lifespan of the bag and, therefore, drastically reduce the amount of waste you produce by disposing of them with each use.

Yes, reusable bags often contain plastic or, in other cases, imply the exploitation of other resources like water, as happens with organic cotton.

However, if you use one of them multiple times and for an extended period, you will naturally produce less waste and exhaust fewer resources.

Another advantage of these bags is that they quickly become multi-purpose, as you can use them to transport virtually anything else.

You'll use them to carry an extra set of flat shoes in your purse, clean clothes from the laundry, your wet rashguard, etc.

Polyester containers are more pollutant but sturdier, more impermeable, and easier to clean.

Organic cotton carriers are eco-friendly, versatile, and easy to store, carry, and wash. Mesh bags, in particular, are perfect for grocery shopping.

There are endless options, from simple blank canvases to more fashionable or artistic looks. You can even personalize your bag to remind yourself of how every simple step counts.

We collected a comprehensive list of the best reusable shopping bags to get you started. They're inexpensive, foldable, and light.

Choose your favorite, go to your local market, and start your silent revolution. The ocean thanks you.

Washable Organic Cotton Bag by Small Fish

Washable Organic Cotton Bag by Small Fish

A versatile, breathable, 100 percent cotton bag that is perfect for laundry, kitchen and pantry, and grocery shopping. Made with non-toxic materials and ideal for carrying food and baby products.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Light and Foldable Grocery Bag by Reger

Light and Foldable Grocery Bag by Reger

An extra large and compact reusable shopping bag for transporting food, water, milk, and other grocery items. It is washable and easily foldable.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Extra-Long Cloth Handles Shopping Box Bag by Creative Green Life

Extra-Long Cloth Handles Shopping Box Bag by Creative Green Life

A premium quality, foldable, and collapsible grocery bag with a box design. Features long handles and a sturdy reinforced construction that supports 30+ lbs.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Foldable into Attached Pouch Grocery Bag by BeeGreen

Foldable into Attached Pouch Grocery Bag by BeeGreen

A lightweight, ripstop polyester tote bag that is foldable into a pouch. It is reinforced with double stitches and features long handles.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Large, Durable and Reusable Shopping Bag by EasyEarth

Large, Durable, and Reusable Shopping Bag by EasyEarth

An eco-friendly shopping bag made from 100 percent recyclable materials. It can hold up to 50 lbs worth of groceries.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Durable, Heavy Duty Shopping Bag by ExoBest

Durable, Heavy Duty Shopping Bag by ExoBest

A highly portable and foldable shopping bag with extra-large capacity. Equipped with extra reinforced wide handles.

Buy: Amazon.com

 

Stylish Reusable Grocery Bag by iFavo

Stylish Reusable Grocery Bag by iFavo

A nylon reusable grocery bag with fine stitching that folds into a tiny square for easy storage. It withstands weight up to 35 lbs.

Buy: Amazon.com

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