This post is sponsored by Shaka Love.
Recently, I’ve begun to question if I’m doing enough to help the environment. While we have fantastic recycling amenities here in Southern California, I believe I can be doing better. Embracing minimalism was a start and as a result it’s been snowballing from there. As I go deeper into my yoga practice, I begin to question my current lifestyle choices. If we consider Ahimsa (non-violence) as the first and most important part of the 8-limb yoga path, then am I practicing Ahimsa in as many of my habits and actions as possible? I used to think so. Lately I’ve become aware that some of my choices weren’t as eco-friendly as they could be so I began seeking alternatives. Recently this has included reusable grocery AND produce bags that are eco-fantastic!
Back in 2015, our first trip to Hawaii, I became aware of the States ban on single-use plastic grocery bags. California followed suit a couple of years later. I thought I was ahead of the curve as I already had a few reusable grocery bags I’d purchased from the store. Recently though I began to question if it was enough? Had I been a victim of green-washing? Could I make better choices? Turns out not all reusable grocery bags are created equally. I could definitely do better!
The issues with plastics
The reusable plastic bags I’d purchased had a problem. They were in fact, still made from plastic. While this reduce single use plastic, it doesn’t reduce my overall impact on the planet. Plus I was still using single-use plastic for produce. As an animal lover, I have watched in horror the videos of dead birds and fish with bellies full of plastic. Or the ones with turtles that have plastic cutlery in their nasal passages, or strangled by can holders. I am desperately longing to be a part of the solution, not the problem. How can I make changes? One step at a time. And I’ll sharing more of those steps in future content. So keep coming back, subscribe, sign up for my newsletter, or subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
When I was looking for a replacement for my existing Trader Joe’s grocery bags I discovered Shaka Love. The Shaka Love movement is “say no to plastic, live ECO-fantastic”. All SHAKA LOVE products are sustainably sourced. They are eco-friendly, fair –trade, and made with 100% ethical business practice. 10% of all profits go to help protect the future of our planet, and they are proud members of the global environmental movement “1% for the Planet”. I was looking for more eco-friendly products, they were looking for content creators to sponsor. Sounds like the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
Shaka Love is a 100% eco-friendly brand, designing products and gifts filled with the spirit of ALOHA. I am a mother of 3 boys, and we lived as a family in Hawaii for several years. When we returned to California, we wanted to do something positive for our environment while also spreading the positive vibes of Aloha Living. Hence, SHAKA LOVE was born! We are very excited about the positive feedback we have received for our brand, particularly from the eco community and the marine and surf communities.
Amy Connelly
Shake Love Reusable Grocery and Produce Bags
Amy from Shaka Love sent me a package of their Reusable Organic Cotton Grocery Set that includes 2 Long Handle Carry Bags & 3 Mesh Drawstring Bags. Firstly, let me say that I was so impressed with their packaging. All recycled cardboard, and 100% fully compostable tape! This is how you run an eco-friendly business!
The set contains 2 larger carry bags. Great for groceries, sports equipment, pool items, or yoga blocks. They are 100% organic cotton and machine washable. They are very stylish too, with meaningful Hawaiian words on the trim to fill you with the spirit of Aloha. Again could these be more perfect for me, given my “Aloha” obsession?
This set also features 3 produce bags. These mesh bags are again fully organic, and lightweight. I love that I can go to the supermarket and be using less plastic. I never will understand why we need to wrap things in plastic as much as we do. Each individual cucumber wrapped in plastic is a crime. And this set of reusable grocery and produce bags by Shaka Love is a great jumping off point on my plastic-free journey.
Questions
- Does reducing your impact on the planet interest you?
- Have you bought reusable plastic bags?
- Do you notice the amount of plastic packaging increasing?
Let it go
Kristine Nicole Alessandra
I always have a reusable cloth shopping bag hanging on a hook by the door. It is for anyone in the house to use. I also have a small one in my purse and in the glove compartment in my car. Plastic use is also banned in my area. It was difficult to get used to at first, but not anymore. At least we’re doing something to save the planet. 🙂
Di Hickman
Yep. I wish manufacturers of food would get on board and use less plastic too!
Natasha
I usual compostable grocery store bags. In New York City I’m pretty use grocery stores will be banning plastic in the coming year. Most places offer you their store bag instead. I really want to see less plastic at pharmacy stores and shopping departments
Di Hickman
Yep I agree more states/cities will be joining in. I think we need to see more change on a consumer level also. So much stuff is wrapped in plastic also!
LuciWest
That’s wonderful that you’ve embraced and are promoting reusable bags. In Germany, our grocery stores switched to charging for plastic bags and thus encouraging people to bring their own “free” bags when I was still a teen. It was odd to move to the US and experience years of confused cashiers when I would say “I brought my own bags”. So glad that is changing here now, too. I hadn’t ever made the connection to practicing yoga. Fascinating!
Di Hickman
Yep it’s weird how different cultures pick up on the eco conscious stuff more quickly.
Morgan @ Baby Got Balance
Out of all my reusable bags the net (mesh) ones are by far my favorite!
Di Hickman
Agreed, they are great!
Lori Bosworth
Those reusable mesh bags look great. I do use reusable cotton bags when I go shopping.
Komal
We Always shop with reusable bags and try very hard to conscious of recycling at home and at work
Di Hickman
Definitely something I’m becoming more aware of for sure!
Yemi King
I use reusable vegetable bags at the moment. I find them very handy not just for veg but with also laundry! I will look up this company’s bags. Though I live in the UK hopefully I can find them!
Di Hickman
Yes! I used ours for laundry on our trip. Multiuse! I love that I could just throw these in the laundry too!
Amalia
I use reusable bags now since the summer here in Pakistan, they also introduced this and it’s all for the best! Any little gesture it’s important to save the environment!
Di Hickman
Yay, more countries are getting on board and reducing plastic!
Dris Wallace
Thanks for all the tips! We are required to have recycle bags here, so we have tons in each car.
Di Hickman
Yep we’re required now. But plastic is still available for purchase. This is the issue, it’s still using plastic they’re just making people pay for it.
Amy
Love this so much! Thanks for sharing this great information! Great job making a positive impact on the world around you.
Di Hickman
Thanks Amy!