Will you be honoring Black Friday this
year with a trip to your local mall or strip center? When I sat down to
write this post, I did a little googling on Black Friday and was
surprised to learn that some sites, like www.TimeandDate.com actually
lists it like an American Holiday.
This year, I challenge all of us to green up all of our holiday shopping in the easiest way possible: bring your own bag. I know, it doesn't get any easier.
When
we first made the switch to reusable bags, we brought a bunch of brown
paper bags that we had received and saved. Then we found some really
great nylon bags from ChicoBags and bought up a bunch of them. Since my
husband does most of our grocery shopping, he likes that these roll up
into a compact little ball that can fit in his pocket. We can toss them
in the washer, they hold 20 lbs and the kids can easily entertain
themselves for a few minute wrapping each one up.
If
Black Friday takes you to Target, you might want to stop there first
and pick up a free reusable tote bag. Yes...free! Starting at 4am on
Friday, they'll be giving them free to shoppers. And don't forget that
Target, like many other retailers, gives you money back for every bag you bring and use. Note, we have to use it too! Leaving it in your car or purse (yep, we've all done that, right?) doesn't count.
This year, I challenge all of us to green up all of our holiday shopping in the easiest way possible: bring your own bag. I know, it doesn't get any easier.
We've tried
other bags, like the ones most grocery stores carry, but the ChicoBag
just seems reliable, flexible and portable. I also really like the designer bags
we bought from Whole Foods about a year ago that are made from recycled
plastic water bottles and designed by Cheryl Crow. I have the largest
(for groceries and mall shopping) and smallest totes (for toting my
lunch in the rain) to meet all my tote needs.
If
Black Friday takes you to Target, you might want to stop there first
and pick up a free reusable tote bag. Yes...free! Starting at 4am on
Friday, they'll be giving them free to shoppers. And don't forget that
Target, like many other retailers, gives you money back for every bag you bring and use. Note, we have to use it too! Leaving it in your car or purse (yep, we've all done that, right?) doesn't count.
Good luck on your shopping adventure this week. Don't forget to BYOB (bring your own bag).
What...not getting Change Becomes Change free updates delivered to your email inbox? SUBSCRIBE HERE
an even greener option? don't go shopping! make your own gifts at home, saving money and resources - and some of the crafty/baking projects could be fun for kiddos, too :-)
Posted by: Amy | November 25, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Good point Amy! I know we will be making many of our gifts this year - crafts, gifts from the kitchen, etc.
Posted by: Gina | November 25, 2009 at 08:32 PM