Next time you hit the grocery store, try banishing those plastic bags by bringing along your own eco-friendly bag. Let’s take a look at the numbers: 100 billion each year in the U.S. with less than 1% recycled with the average 4-person home using over 1500 in a year. How did we ever get by without them just a few short years ago? Why are we just throwing them all away?

As a family we have taken baby steps towards “going reusable” but that doesn’t mean everyone will - so maybe some help is needed. For instance, Whole Foods recently announced they’re eliminating plastic bags from all 270 of their locations. This is good. Bi-Lo will give you 5¢ refund for bringing your own. This is also good. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all the other big brands follow their lead!

Here’s a rundown of where the local big guys stand:

Bi-Lo
Bags: Plastic; Paper; Reusable bags for purchase.
Program: Refund of 5¢ per bag if you bring your own.

Earth Fare
Bags: Plastic; Paper; Reusable bags for purchase.
Program: Do not offer a refund for using your own bags.

Food Lion
Bags: Plastic; Paper.
Program: Do not offer a refund for using your own bags.

Harris Teeter
Bags: Plastic; Paper; Reusable bags for purchase.
Program: Do not offer a refund for using your own bags.

Piggly Wiggly
Bags: Plastic; Paper; Reusable bags for purchase.
Program: Do not offer a refund for using your own bags.

Publix
Bags: Plastic; Paper; Reusable bags for purchase.
Program: Do not offer a refund for using your own bags.

Whole Foods Market
Bags: No plastic; Paper; Reusable bags for purchase.
Program: Refund of 5¢ per bag if you bring your own.

Happy Shopping!