I know, I know… This is the biggest non sequitur of a blog post ever. I’m talking about produce bags like they’re some fictional character akin to Edward Cullen. But I’m telling you what, friends — I LOVE THESE BAGS.

I’ve been on the eco-bandwagon at the grocery for some time, abandoning those ubiquitous plastic bags in favor of amazing, heavy-duty IKEA bags. But I’ve always hated using plastic produce bags for the mound of fruit and veggies I’d haul home each week (which, is it just me or are those produce bags always the biggest pain to get open?)

Cue one of my dear friends from my newspaper days, Joy. A few months ago, Joy posted a note on Facebook about a friend of hers, Erica, raising money for an adoption by selling homemade, reusable produce bags through her Adopting Green Produce Bags project.

It was JUST what I was looking for! I emailed Erica ASAP, snapped up two sets of five bags and squealed when I opened them (yes, I’m a dork and actually squealed). And here’s the reason I’m writing about them now:

1) They are AWESOME. Incredible quality, machine washable and so easy to use. EVERY time I’ve been to the grocery since their arrival (at least a dozen times), I’ve had people ask where I bought them or tell me how unique they are. Cashiers, people in line behind me, you name it. One woman even pulled out her phone, started taking pictures and finally I said, “Give me your email and I’ll send you Erica’s contact info!” People LOVE these bags.

2) I don’t personally know Erica (and she doesn’t know I’m blogging about her) but I love that she’s raising money for her adoption this way. That this project is a true labor of love and, at the same time, good for our environment. And then there is this: I believe in the power of the Internet and the power of small artists and creative types who can help spread the word for others.

So Erica, if one person places an order for some of your bags off this blog post, well, that’s awesome. But if not, I just want you to know, every week, I appreciate them so much. And I have a line of shoppers behind me whose compliments echo that sentiment :)

If you’re interested in going green with your produce bags, please consider contacting Erica at ericavoell[at]gmail.com. The sets are $12, plus $5 shipping (I paid for mine through PayPal).

PS – Sorry postings have been light this week — have a lot going on with Valentine’s, birthday parties and placing orders and finishing tax prep! I’ll be back next week with some new posts — including (gulp) some thoughts on turning the big 3-0!!!!

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.