With the environment on the top of mind for many consumers, the answer is to not use paper or plastic, but a reusable bag. Reusable bags can cut down on waste if they last for a long period of time. However, if the bags are cheap and do not last long, they will end up in the landfill and defeat the purpose of your purchase. The key is to buy the right kind of reusable bags.

Reusable bags may be made of a variety of materials. Here are three examples of sustainable materials that are often used to make reusable bags:

Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or plastic #1) – Approximately 31 percent of plastic bottles produced in the U.S. are made from PETE, and it is one of the most highly recycled plastics. Finding uses for this post-consumer material is essential to supporting the recycling business, and reusable bags made from PETE are generally long-lasting and durable.

Recycled Cotton – Many reusable bags are made of cotton, but the key is to find organic cotton, or even better, recycled cotton. Using recycled cotton helps reduce the harsh dyes, pesticides and herbicides of conventional cotton, while also using less water and human energy than conventional and organic cotton. Recycling discarded fibers also helps divert millions of tons of textile waste entering our landfills each year.

Hemp – Often referred to as a “super fiber,” hemp products will outlast their competition by many years. Products made from this fiber are strong and hold their shape, while cotton products can stretch with time. Hemp is also naturally resistant to mold and ultraviolet light.

A great way to encourage your shoppers to purchase and use reusable bags is to offer savings and incentives:

Cash incentive – Offer $.05 off for each canvas bag used. This can equal savings your consumers can appreciate. That’s $.30 (six bags per weekly visit) and over the course of a year, about $16.

Drawing – Promote a chance to enter a weekly drawing for $25 worth of groceries. Your consumer can enter every time they visit your store and use their own bags. Who couldn’t use free groceries?

Charitable donation – Consider a charitable incentive. Each time a shopper reuses a grocery bag, donate $.05 to a local organization in your community.