cheap alternative to carrier bags?

se999

We stock up when we're in Europe. Lots of shops have plain linen bags at 50 to 75 cents, so well under a pound. We've found them in France, Germany & parts of Scandinavia. They're very easy to roll up to fit in a pocket or handbag.

So if you've a trip abroad planned (or a friend going abroad) ask them to look out for them.

troll35

Thanks everyone. We don't have any of the shops mentioned where I live. I may make some. I may have some suitable fabric in the loft to make my own. Our local town has a market but the range of goods available has dramatically decreased over recent years. We have gone from having 6 or 7 greengrocers stalls to 1. The number of butchers has also gone done. However the number of stalls selling cheap clothing that 'mimics' but doesn't quite copy the designer labels has increased (shame I don't want cheap tat).

arkonite_babe

My local environment centre, run by the local council, has canvas bags for sale. My last 2 cost me £1.50 each. I also got a free one from Belfast City council's advice centre just by asking.

Check local council offices to see if they have them. Or you could check Ebay?

HTh

willow_girl

I have been trying to find cheap but reusable bags too. Have toyed with the idea of making my own (one day!). But if you are after an organic/environmentaly friendly one try www.livingethically.co.uk. Go into shopping and search for bags. Thay also do a huge range of other stuff too. I've seen cotton and string bags on there for under a fiver. The choice is good, it depends what you want. And you may end up buying more than you want!

HTH

tiredwithtwins

I got my 3 cotton bags from the 'save the children' shop - when they were doing the make poverty history campaign they were selling them for a couple of quid/£3 - they are starting to fall apart a bit, but have taken a fair old bashing with my weekly shopping
my local greengrocer has also started selling his own too, for £1 each - good way of promoting his shop while you save the planet

metherer

Try the greenshop - https://www.greenshop.co.uk.
I think their organic cotton bags are around 3.50

Metherer
x

beanielou

Ive got a green shopper bag with longish handles that is called 'Scotlands wee green poke' & it only cost £1.must get another one.

SaverSarah_2

Hi there, don't know if you've got an H&M near you, but I've just bought a really funky cotton/canvas-type bag with a terracotta, chocolate brown and khaki seventies-type pattern on it for just £1.99!!! I've had so many compliments on it too, and they had various different designs. I'm chuffed to bits.

HTH

xx

SaverSarah_2

Actually, maybe it was £2.99, but certainly not more than that. I also got a really nice bag free with Marie Claire, both bags are a brilliant alternative to carriers, I can't abide them either!

xx

Katgoddess

Peacocks also sell tote bags for £3. I don't think they are big enough for a weekly shop, but a few items no problem. I've been using a blue one as a handbag for the past 6 months.