If you’re reading this blog, you probably don’t need convincing as to why you should be using reusable shopping bags and totes in place of single-use plastic bags and paper. You may, however, have friends and family members who need a little coaxing or convincing to change their ways. With that in mind, here are six, easy-to-explain reasons for making the switch to reusable shopping bags. #1. BANS AND FEES: If your city, county, or state hasn’t already done so, there’s a good chance they will soon ban the use or begin to tax the use of single use plastic bags and/or paper bags. If/when banned, you will have no choice but to begin using reusable bags. If/when taxed, you will have to pay a small fee for every single-use bag you use, and this fee will soon surpass the nominal cost you would incur to buy a reusable bag. #2. THEY’RE GOOD FOR WATER SUPPLIES: Single use plastic bags negatively impact the environment in significant ways, especially by clogging landfills with plastic that takes hundreds, if not thousands, of years to degrade. Single use plastic bags tend to photo-degrade and become microplastics (tiny plastic particles or beads) that absorb toxins and wind up in our oceans, lakes, and our groundwater and drinking water supplies. #3 YOU’LL BE HELPING WILDLIFE: An estimated 100,000 marine animals are killed by plastic bags annually, mainly through ingestion of bags and pieces of plastic found in the ocean, lakes, or rivers. Similarly, plastic bags can get scattered in trees, bushes, and fields, creating life-threatening hazards for birds and other small animals. #4: YOU’LL HELP REDUCE LITTER: Single use plastic bags are a main component of litter that’s found along our streets, highways, and in cities. The average American family takes home almost 1,500 plastic shopping bags a year, and only 1 percent of plastic bags are ever returned for recycling. That leaves a lot of bags per person (more than 1,400 per year) that end up in landfills or as litter, and only so many can be repurposed for other uses. #5. REUSABLE BAGS ARE MORE RELIABLE: In general, reusable bags and totes can carry more and they’re stronger and more reliable that thin, flimsy plastic bags or paper. So if you’re tired of a bag tear or handle fail resulting in your groceries ending up on the sidewalk, parking lot, or kitchen floor before you get to put them away, reusable bags are the answer. #6 YOU SHOW YOU CARE ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT: By ditching paper and plastic in favor of reusable shopping bags, individuals can show their friends and family they care about the environment while retailers can show their customers they care. It’s not only the responsible thing to do, it’s also good for business. A 2017 international study by global consumer goods company Unilever reveals that 1 out of 3 consumers prefer to buy from brands they believe are doing the most social or environmental good. Belvedere Exclusive is the premier source for environmentally-friendly reusable tote bags, insulated cooler bags, canvas tote bags, and other related products. Retailers can get a no-strings attached quote on Belvedere Exclusive branded bags, which are already in use with many high-profile retailers around the country. Just one branded bag generates more than 5,700 impressions (the number of times it’s seen by others) in its lifetime, making custom, reusable bags the most powerful promotional product in the USA. That's a lot of "eyes" on a company brand message, logo, and/or website address, so while you’re helping customers carry their purchased goods, you’re also helping yourself. That’s a win-win for retailers, consumers . . . and the environment!The Belvedere Exclusive Solution
All Belvedere products are recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable/compostable.