Market Basket Co
Firstly, a big thank you to the Market Basket Co who kindly offered up a selection of their bags for us to review. Thanks also to our panel who have been putting them to the test for the past month. Here's what they thought.
Chantal
Chantal had the small plain basket.
Uses – I had the model with the small handle, so I only used it for small shops - like grabbing a few bits to make dinner for that night or running to the corner store to get milk and bread. In the summer, I also plan to use it to take a few bits to the beach. I really love the basket and think it looks adorable.
Verdict - I must start off by saying that I've always secretly wanted a French-style market basket. I always thought they looked so chic and earthy. So when I was invited to take part in this trial, I jumped at the chance. As I said earlier, I had the smaller model with a short handle, so there were limits to what I could carry and use the basket for. It was great for short runs to the market, and I'm sure in the summer it will be great as a beach bag or picnic basket. Apart from looking the part, I really think it's a practical, durable bag. It's pretty light-weight and holds a fair amount. However, it's important not to overload it with heavy items.
Ro
Ro tried out the medium plain basket with the shoulder strap.
Uses – I used it everyday, for grocery shopping, carrying lots of things and as a nappy carrying bag.
Verdict - I have no criticism at all - I found it fantastic. The straps are the perfect length to throw over the shoulder, it sits on the hip perfectly & can seem to take any weight - I certainly tested it. I love the basket weave its made from & especially love the leather handles - very soft to carry.
Monica
Monica had the large plain bag.
Uses - Market shopping and yoga. I'll probably use it for a beach/overnight bag in summer too.
Verdict - Gorgeous, sturdy bag, that was surprisingly comfortable to carry around. It's great to have such an oversize bag on hand, but it was too big to use for most days and outings. Not so much a criticism, but an observation.
Jo
Jo had the medium sized plain bag with shoulder straps and handles
Uses - Used it for shopping and carrying around general baby paraphenalia
Verdict - I'm really happy with this bag. I use it as a day bag when heading out as I can fill it with anything, as a shopping bag and it'll be great as a beachbag in the summer. The version I tested had shoulder straps and handles so you could carry it either way which was very handy. The medium size was great for what I used it for. It felt comfortable and also looked great.
Amanda
Amanda had the patterned medium bag.
Uses - Carrying shopping/work stuff/yoga stuff.We walk down to school every morning then I walk on to work
Verdict - Good shape/strong/looks more like a summer/beach bag because of flowery pattern on it. I will use more in summer
If you weren't already convinced about the benefits of reusable bags here are some stats:
The average family accumulates 60 plastic bags in four trips to the grocery store. And with about 500 billion plastic bags being used annually, it is mind boggling to think how many must be out there in landfill, in cupboards, in rivers and the sea. The sad fact is that many will persist for up to 1,000 years.
So its alright to feel good when you take your reusable bag to the shops, particularly when you think that each quality reusable bag has the potential to eliminate an average of 1,000 plastic bags over its lifetime.