If you live in Suffolk County, New York, I am sure you have shopped and been asked, "Would you like a bag? It's five cents."

While working in a drugstore, I get asked, questioned, maybe even cursed at, to why customers need to spend five cents on a plastic bag. I am sure those who work in retail or even the buyer can be frustrated in this new law passed by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. I understand it could be an inconvenience when you are shopping in bulk. However, it is possible to shop while using reusable bags. Here are some tips that can help your shopping experience if you want to avoid the five cent fee!

If you have an Amazon.com account or an online shopper like me, I suggest these alternatives when avoiding the fee!

1. Buy a reusable bag

On Amazon.com, these biodegradable bags are sturdy and are able to hold a good amount of your goods while you do other shopping!

2. Try to avoid in-store bags

Bags that are offered in a store, are usually more expensive. But, most customers refuse to pay the 5 cents on a plastic bag but will pay $2.99 on a cheap reusable bag that will break. I have bought reusable bags from stores as I was in the mall and they DO NOT hold any merchandise more than once. The goal in using reusable bags is using it more than once. Do your research!

3. Amazon is your bestfriend

When you need to buy anything you can think of, Amazon.com will sell it. Whether it is fresh foods, underwear, or even makeup brushes, you can order these items and have them shipped to your house without being charged a plastic bag fee. You do receive a sturdy box that can be useful for storage, so don't throw away the cardboard box.

4. Recycle your plastic bottles

If you cannot be bothered with online shopping, when carrying reusable bags, you can pay the price. By recycling, you can dispose of your plastic properly and buy a plastic bag and reuse it accordingly. Most people buy water bottles, get charge the price for bottle deposits, and throw away their bottles. Instead, you can recycle your plastic bottles and not feel to bad when you are faced with the five cents charged.

Reusable bags help the environment by helping wildlife not be exposed to pollution and possible clogging in drains. Keep in mind when you get a prescription, a plastic bag is exempt. Also, when you buy from fast foods and restaurants, consumers are not charged the fee.

Reuse and recycle has been thrown in our face since we were little. It is time to put those nursery rhymes in effect and help the environment one step at a time!