Reusable shopping baskets and bags are available for only $8

To promote the use of reusable shopping containers, the EMC is offering plastic shopping baskets and sturdy canvas bags for sale.  The EMC does not profit from the sale, as we are selling the baskets and bags at cost as a public service.

Plastic grocery bags are convenient, but there are several drawbacks, including increased grocery prices to pay for the free bags, petroleum use to produce the bags, and litter from discarded bags.  Sure, the bags can be recycled, but not using them in the first place uses less resources than recycling them.  In addition, many bags tear after the first use so they end up in a landfill or as litter.

By using a reusable bag or basket many times, you can reduce the amount of natural resources that you consume, and help to promote environmental awareness. 

Download a fact sheet prepared by the EMC about the environmental
costs of grocery bags.

Almost 100 bags and baskets have been sold as of November 2006
since the bagless shopping campaign started in June 2005. As a result
of the program's success, Tompkins County Solid Waste Management will
be taking over and expanding it. Planned expansions include the
purchase of more bags and baskets and an educational campaign.

		The green baskets are made from plastic, with metal handles.  They are imprinted with "PAPER OR PLASTIC NO THANK YOU!"
The bags are made from unbleached cotton in the USA.  They have 2 handles for hand carrying, and a sturdy third strap for convenient shoulder carrying.

Common Excuses for not switching to reusable shopping containers

Frequently Asked Questions about the baskets and bags

How do I get one? - Basket and bags can be purchased at the Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division Office located at the Recycling and Solid Waste Center - 122 Commercial Ave, Tel. (607) 273-6632.

Are the baskets made from recycled plastic? - Unfortunately not, because we could not find a source.  If you know of a source for recycled plastic baskets, please let us know.

How many bags worth of plastic are in the basket? - A plastic grocery bag weighs approximately 6 grams, and the plastic part of the basket weighs 660 grams, so there are about 110 bags worth of plastic in one basket.  If you use your basket to replace 2 bags per week, you will break even on plastic usage in about a year.

Are the bags made of unbleached cotton? - Yes, they are!  They are also made in the USA.

How much do the baskets and bags hold? - They will both hold 2-4 times as much as a plastic grocery bag.  In addition, they support the groceries better during transport, and the bags have a shoulder strap so you can carry many easily.