As consumers, you have the power to influence the decisions retailers make through your everyday choices. By bringing reusable bags with you when you shop, you let retailers know that you support the elimination of single-use plastic checkout bags and the waste that contaminates our streams, lakes and land.

Here are some ways you can break the plastic checkout bag habit:

• BYOBags. When you shop, take your own bags to the grocery, retail or convenience store. Canvas, vinyl or cloth are great options. Find a design or color that matches your personality and purchasing habits.
• Use the bags you have. If you have a stockpile of bags on hand, it’s better to reuse them as much as you can before throwing them away.
• Rethink the pet poop pickup bag. Bread bags, produce bags, frozen food bags and used food storage bags are all options for picking up after your pooch on your next walk around the neighborhood or scooping up cat litter.
• Use reusable produce bags. Purchase mesh bags or make your own reusable cloth bags for fresh fruits and vegetables. Ask the clerk at the checkout to remove items sold by weight from reusable mesh bags so you are not charged for the weight of the bag. Be sure to wash them often.
• Skip the disposable bag. If you are only purchasing one or two items, or taking restaurant leftovers to go, carry the items out of the store or eatery without a plastic bag.
• Reconsider trash can liners. Use other bags you may have around the house--such as pet food, birdseed and large product bags as kitchen trash can liners. You may be surprised at the options you already have in your household. Consider not lining smaller trash cans in laundry rooms and bedrooms at all. If you prefer a liner, try using a paper bag instead. Some manufacturers make bathroom trash bins with removable permanent liners that can be removed and cleaned.