I remember when I was embarrassed to carry a reusable shopping bag. It seemed like such an old lady thing to do.

Growing up, I recall my mom on occasion pulling out a used shopping bag to divide stuff up so I could carry some. What kind of person carried around empty bags to carry their stuff? The kind of person who wasn’t willing to pay extra for flimsy plastic bags to carry groceries home.

Here it is decades later and I rarely leave a store with a plastic bag. Reusable bags have become fashionable. Unlike in the past, you can match your style, your personality or your wardrobe. It’s the new normal! Which is just in time for NJ’s ban on the sale of one-use plastic bags in grocery stores, effective May 4, 2022.

I have a collection of reusable bags for whatever type of shopping I have to do.

When I head to Aldi or 99 Ranch Market, I usually take my Bulldog shopping bags. They fold flat when empty, and stand completely hands-free while I’m shopping. These come in packs of 3 and I’ve given away 1 already, while in Aldi. It’s strong enough to carry juices and heavy items like potatoes. The young lady I gave mine to is using it to carry school materials.