At all Harmons stores, reusable bags and tree seedlings will be randomly given away to customers from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Plastic bags will not be used in the stores.

As a way to help its shoppers go green, Smith's Food & Drug Stores encourages the use of reusable bags. Smith's "Design a Reusable Shopping Bag" contest will give one customer the opportunity to see his/her own artwork on thousands of reusable bags in 2009. Details are available at www.smithsfoodanddrug.com/green.

Whole Foods Market has said it will plant a tree for every reusable bag purchased by a shopper during April.

Always forget to bring your green bag? Here are some tips:

Leave them in your car.

Put them somewhere you can't miss, such as on the handle of your garage door.

Keep your eyes open. Stores usually will have signs reminding you to bring in your bag.

Write a reminder on your grocery list in bold.

Punish yourself. If you forget, then make yourself go without using a paper or plastic bag. Carry your groceries to your car in your cart.

E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com