What is the best alternative to plastic bags for shopping and everyday life?

The best alternative to a single-use plastic bag is a reusable bag you actually have with you when you go shopping: a sturdy tote, a basket, a net bag or an insulated bag, depending on what you carry. The bag you choose matters, but the habit of taking it matters even more.

Here are the options, and our tips so you never forget it again.

Where do plastic bags stand in France?

Since 1 July 2016, handing out single-use plastic bags at the checkout has been banned in France, under decree no. 2016-379 of 30 March 2016. Bags that remain allowed include reusable plastic bags thicker than 50 microns, compostable bags and non-plastic bags made of paper or cardboard.

So there are still plenty of times when you are offered a single-use bag, in paper or compostable plastic. That is why it pays to always have your own.

Alternatives to plastic bags

The reusable tote

This is the most versatile option. A large tote works for shopping, the market, the beach, the gym or a weekend away. Choose one big enough for your usual shopping and nice enough that you want to take it out.

At Tropical Factory, classic totes come in XL (€29), L (€24) and S (€20) depending on the design, all made from recycled plastic bottles. You will find them in the Classic bags range.

The insulated bag

For fresh and frozen food, an insulated bag replaces both the plastic bag and the cool box. It also saves you using disposable freezer bags for the trip home. We cover it in our insulated bag guide.

The basket

A woven basket is still a safe bet for the market: being rigid, it protects delicate fruit. On the other hand, it is bulkier to store in a car or a backpack.

Net bags and small cloth bags

For fruit, vegetables and loose goods, net bags and small cloth bags replace thin produce bags. They tuck easily into a large tote.

The pouch

Less obvious, a pouch replaces little plastic bags for medicine, chargers, hair clips or change. Our classic pouches are listed at €14.

How never to forget your bag again

This is the real challenge. A few simple habits:

• Keep a bag in the car, and put it back as soon as it is empty.
• Hang a bag by the front door, next to your keys.
• Slip a soft bag into your handbag or backpack.
• Have one bag per use: one for shopping, one for the beach, an insulated one for fresh food.
• Choose a bag you like: you are more likely to take a bag you enjoy.

Which bag for which use?

| Use | Recommended alternative |

|---|---|

| Weekly shopping | XL classic tote |

| Fresh and frozen food | XL insulated bag or lunch bag |

| Saturday market | XL tote or basket |

| Loose fruit and vegetables | Net bags, small cloth bags |

| Small everyday items | Pouch |

A bag with a story

Our totes are illustrated with designs inspired by Réunion Island. In this post’s photo you can see Ravenala, which celebrates the traveller’s tree. The Tropical design pays tribute to the island’s lush vegetation. Both come in XL, L, S and pouch, according to their product pages.

A bag made from recycled plastic bottles does two things: it replaces throwaway bags and gives waste a second life. We explain this in bags made from recycled plastic bottles.

Going further

A reusable bag is often the first step towards zero waste. A water bottle, reusable cutlery, buying loose: the next steps follow naturally. We gathered practical ideas in zero waste on Réunion Island.

FAQ

Are plastic bags banned in France?

Single-use plastic bags handed out at the checkout have been banned since 1 July 2016. Other types of bags remain allowed under certain conditions, such as reusable or compostable bags.

What is the best alternative to plastic bags?

The one you will use most often. A sturdy reusable tote that you always have with you is the simplest option day to day.

Is a recycled plastic bag a good alternative?

Yes, as long as you use it often and for a long time: reuse is what makes a durable bag worthwhile.