By now, you should be taking reusable grocery bags with you every time you go to the grocery store but your uses for reusable bags can and should go beyond the grocery store. Here's a look at some of the other ways you can use those reusable bags.

Shopping Sprees 

Whether you're heading to the mall, Home Goods, or your local farmers market to shop, don't forget your reusable bags. They are sturdier and will save you from double bagging those cheap plastic bags. And of course, the environment will benefit from this small change, too.

Reusable Gift Bags

Give the gift of reusing. Reusable bags make excellent gift bags and are gifts that will keep on giving back to not only the receiver but the planet, too. Think of it as two gifts in one. You could even fill the gift bags with sustainable or reusable goodies.

Pool or Beach Bags

If your kids spend the majority of their time at the beach or pool in the summer, load a reusable bag up (or two) with sunscreen, towels, snacks, and water. Just make sure the bags you use can be thrown in with the laundry at the end of the day, so they can be reused next time.

Going to the Gym

If you go to several different classes each week and have more than one gym bag, try using reusable bags to keep your gym needs sorted by activity. For instance, if you're a swimmer, you can have one bag filled with a towel and goggles. If you also do yoga, you can fill another bag with your mat and blocks or whatever special workout equipment you might need. This will also save you time sorting each bag, especially when you're in a rush.

Going to a Library, Bookstore, or Cafe

If you're someone who studies at the library or heads to your local bookstore or cafe to use the wifi for work, chances are you'll be bringing along your laptop, mouse, headphones, etc. This is another great opportunity to make use of those reusable bags. Just make sure you use a sturdy one if you're carrying heavy electronics.