Plastic bags are spelling disaster for the environment. Thanks to the efforts of environmental activists, reusable bags have made inroads into shopping malls and major retail stores. However, there are few sections of people who still question the credibility of reusable bags.

If you, too, are hell bent on seeking reasons for using a reusable shopping bag, then here is a list of credible reasons.

1. Reusable bags hold more items than normal grocery bags- at least two and a half times more.

2. They are washable. However, check the bags before purchasing; the best ones can simply be dumped into the washing machine and can be used to carry anything- your lunch, clothes, grocery items etc.

3. Reusable bags make a perfect fashion statement. If you can spend hundreds of dollars on designer handbags, then you can spend a few for the good of the world.

4. The great news is reusable bags can keep the temperature of cold food intact. Keep cold foods in an insulated reusable bag and they will remain cold for hours.

5. Undoubtedly, reusable bags are not just great; they are a boon to the society. Studies suggest that an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion bags are used worldwide annually. 40 billion plastic and paper bags are used in the United States alone.

6. Using reusable bags means you are cutting down on tons of air pollution caused by plastic recycling.

7. Reusable bag usage means no paper bags which is equal to saving 400 parts of water per bag.

8. Over the span of their lifetime, reusable bags save more than 700 bags.

These are reasons enough for you to act quickly and get rid of those cursed plastic bags as soon as possible.