Bye Bye Plastic Bags!

So, I think we all know that it's best to use reusable bags.

Did you know that there are an estimated 500 billion bags used worldwide each year?

There are all sorts of bags out there. Compact bags, big bags, freezer bags, simple bags, fancy bags..... I think you get the idea :D

I personally use an army of grocery store bags that I picked up for $1 a piece. They hold a lot and have a solid bottom. The solid bottom is the reason I love these for groceries.

For all of my other shopping, I tend to bring along my prettier bags. I've gotten these from Kohl's, Target, Kmart (in their handbag section they have some cute totes!), online, etc. etc. Basically any cute/fun bag can be used :)

Did you know that the average family uses 60 plastic bags in just 4 trips to the grocery store?

I've known for some time that I wanted to write about this, so I went searching! I found the most fantastic bags. They are so fashionable, sturdy and built on great principle.

These bags are by Elbow Grease Designs and I am in love with this bag. It is so sturdy, but that's not even the beginning.
I got a knock at my door (thanks mail carrier!) and saw this package on my porch. It was a handmade (elbow grease!) mailer! I opened it up and there were the bags! Oh, so pretty! So excited!

Then I get to looking. The bag is sealed with what appear to be leftover labels, the tag is stamped on a piece of an old Crunch 'n Munch box and the invoice is printed on the back of an old letterhead. I "love" it! Oh and have I mentioned that these bags are made from old banners??!!! Honest to goodness, not one thing that arrived to my door was not repurposed. It was amazing.

Did you know that reusable bags hold substantially more than plastic bags?
The ones I use are of a typical size and hold 3-4 times more!

I have been using reusable bags for a while now and every time I went to the grocery store, I cringed at using plastic produce bags. I didn't when possible, but it wasn't always an option. So, I got stuck with them.

I did some asking around and came across these fantastic (and highly recommended) produce bags by AMK Designs.
I love these bags! They are sturdy, the hold a ton and they don't weigh a thing. I got compliments by the cashier and manager (she was helping my newbie cashier) my very first time using them!

They are so easy to use too. Toss in your fruit/veggies, pull the string and go. You can even wash your produce right in the bags and store them too.

Also, unlike other bags on the market, these come in adorable (you pick the design!) storage pouches that can clip right onto your bag!

So how would you like to win an Elbow Grease Designs grocery bag and a set of AMK Designs produce bags???

Oh and that's not all! If you make a purchase at AMK Designs and put "Amanda sent me" in the notes to the seller, she'll toss in some extra goodies!!!

----Update! We have a winner!----
The giveaway portion is over :) Thank you to everyone that participated!

Congratulations to luvlieK - Kelly! I hope you love your new bags!

Here's how to win!
Please leave a separate comment for each entry in order to have it counted.

This entry is mandatory! If you do not do this, your other entries will not count!
Post here and tell me what your favorite product is from Elbow Grease Designs and which storage bag you love from AMK Designs. Include your email address (if it's not on your profile) and the words "Live Green" somewhere in your comment.

Want more entries?

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*Follow our blog and post letting me know that you are :)

*Become a fan of the EFF blog on facebook, leave a comment.

*Post about this giveaway on your blog. Leave a comment with a link.

US Only. Giveaway ends December 16th. I'll use random.org to pick a winner. I will email the winner. If I do not hear back within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.

FCC Disclaimer: I was provided the product to review for the giveaway (Thank you to Elbow Grease Designs and AMK Designs. The bags are beautiful and of amazing quality!). No money or other perks were given. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. For more information about this blog please look here. For giveaway guidelines please look here.