I didn't use them to start with, I bought reusable bags the first time I shopped at Whole Foods and Trader Joes and I use those every time. Not so much for the eco-friendly aspect, more because they are easier to carry on the bus and you don't have to deal with the annoyance of two items to a bag leaving you with 20 bags for $20 of groceries! I won't use my AH for groceries though, I'll save it for work and the gym.