I'm not in DC, but I was researching compact, reusable shopping bags to keep in my baby carrier or stroller and came across these at "flip & tumble". Might be worth adding to the list. They're similar in price and size to the BAGGU but with a neat roll up design. Still washable, and small though, which I like. Have you ever used these? I'm still debating between the two brands.

unless they are free, the best bags are those that fold up tiny in my purse for impulse purchases and can fit over my shoulder.

I like the Chico Bag. I bought mine at Sur La Table, but Whole Foods has started carrying them, and the ones with their logo are cheaper than Sur La Table. I keep one in my purse all the time.

AND ofcourse the fabulous shopping bags by Susan Bijl</al>

My purse always has a roll up bag from Blue Avocado in there
http://www.blueavocado.com/

flip and tumble looks awesome too! reasonably priced for their produce bags...I should get some!

I have a bunch of BAGGU's and use them for everything from groceries to laundry to everything in between. I bring them with me everywhere. I like them a lot.

You can also make your own out of old t-shirts (or the copious free ones one comes across...). Cut off the sleeves, cut out the collar, and sew up the bottom. Voila! Shopping bag.

Envirosax are the best combination of large bag (equivalent to two plastic grocery bags) that folds up small (snaps down to the size of my fist, with no outer bag to lose) and costs the least (get a pouch of 5 when they're on sale at BrightandBold.com--usually once every month or so--for about $5 each).

my favorite is envirosax. they fold/roll up easily, and they are SUPER strong. it's like they're made out of parachute material.

http://www.envirosax.com/

We use a Rolser cart that my mom found in London--there were similar ones on sale at Home Rule on 14th Street and insulated ones for sale at Whole Foods. Perfect for hauling groceries around the city when you have to shop for a family.

The only way to truly conserve is to use bags that are already produced and won't be replaced. Buying "designer" grocery bags produces more "designer" grocery bags, hence more waste. Use backpacks that you already own - go to thrift stores and buy bags/purses/luggage that you can use as grocery bags. If you forget those, then pick through the recycled plastic bags at the front of the store and use those. It's about not replacing, not about using grocery-friendly new products.

I have several old-school bags from M.O.M. (in Alexandria). They have been so heavily used they are starting to fray through on the handles- it'll be interesting to see if I can still get them replaced when they die. Metro DC had some early adopters!

Stephenslater makes a great point- though while we are in this stage of transition, I argue that it's fine to buy some bags that we think are cute or funny and that encourage us to use them. New resusable bags are the new swag- even the Louisiana House at the Solar Decathlon gave them out! (Though, Stephen, I agree it makes sense to use what you have, and I do use the bags I was given at conferences or old gear bags.)

Do what's right for your family and budget, and if buying new bags gives you impetus to cut down in the future, bless ya.

I like the bags. I just wish they didn't have to advertise the reason they are being used. We all know people who use cloth bags are being responsible. You don't have to tell us.

Eddie Bauer made these great collapsible totes that zipped up very compactly into a teeny pouch, with a keychain clip. I checked their site and couldn't find them, but perhaps they still sell them in the stores. My problem with bringing bags was that I would never remember to grab it on my way out; because this is so small and lightweight you can keep it with you. The material is also incredibly strong, even though it's thin, and the straps are long enough you can carry heavy stuff over your shoulder.

i did try/buy a few of those be good to the world bags or whatever they are called, and they started to fall apart,
next i have found someone with a sewing machine, so that i can pick out my own material and have her sew some cloth bags for me, in designs that i like!!

washington state.

I have the silver one which I picked up at http://www.highfashionhome.com/ now if I can just remember to take it with me to the grocery store:)