The reusable grocery bag is a topic of discussion across the country. Some states have banned plastic bags and some stores abroad charge per bag. This trick protects travelers in Utah who would rather be prepared than spend their hard-earned money on plastic bags.

Step One: Get reusable bags to take with you when you travel. I know it feels like you’re giving in if you don’t embrace the idea since Utah is split on the initiative, but this way you’ll be prepared if you find yourself outside of your shopping comfort zone.

Step two: Learn how to fold them neatly. Sisterpledge has a great step-by-step video to help you do this.

Step three: Keep your bags neatly folded in the car you’re traveling in. You can put them in a larger bag and stash them under a seat or somewhere else out of the way. That way, if you’re in an area where plastic isn’t in vogue, you’re ready to go.

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I remember shopping with my daughter. She was stuffing the groceries tightly into our shopping bags. I asked her why she was packing so tightly; she had lived in a place where you had to pay per bag and had just gotten into the habit of stuffing them full. So, save yourself squashed groceries on the go and prepare some reusable shopping bags for your travels.