HAGERSTOWN, MD - Some super markets nationwide are opting for reusable shopping bags instead of the usual plastic ones.

The next time you go grocery shopping you might be surprised to find they aren't using plastic bags. Shopper Sonja Jenkins said not only does she do it for the environment, but she gets a little something for her self.

"That’s one of my new year’s resolutions; to trying to go green and recycle. And, I have been doing it since I have been coming here. Because on their bags, you can see that you get five cents back on that bag," said Sonja Jenkins, shopper.

All shoppers at Mom’s can either bring in their own bag to grocery shop, or use one of the stores. Mom's Assistant General Manager Melanie Friedman said either way, you get a reward.

"You can bring in whatever type of bag you want. If it’s a paper bag, you get five cent credit, and if it’s a reusable bag, it’s a 10 cent credit," said Melanie Friedman, My Organic Market Assistant General Manager.

You are not limited to bags. You can even bring in a box, but if you don't have your own bag, don't worry.

"And, then, we sell our reusable bags here for 99 cents, which I think is actually below cost of what they actually cost and then you get a 10 cents credit every time you use it. So, within 10 uses, it pays for itself," said Friedman.

Mom’s nationwide estimate they keep about 350,000 paper and plastic bags from being thrown away; all through their reusable bag program. Brown said she may just be one person, but she feels she is doing her part to help.
 
"I think if just one person can make a difference. And, if you can see all the people shopping here, most people are conscious and most people are either using totally organic products or are going green," said Jenkins.

Melanie said reusable bags are a trend that is sure to catch on fast.

"We encourage all businesses all around us. We encourage them and challenge them to take the same practices that we do," said Friedman.
 
In 2007, Ikea began charging customers 10 cents for every plastic bag they used.