Just Bag It!

Reusable bags have almost become status symbols in markets. They say to other shoppers that you care about the environment by limiting disposable throwaways. So, it was only a matter of time before wine shops realized their customers might like to take purchases home in bags they could reuse, too. Bin 604 in Harbor East has a bright-yellow, four-bottle tote for $1.50. The straps are long enough that you can sling it conveniently over your shoulder. The Wine Source in Hampden has a sturdy maroon, six-bottle one for $2.99. But perhaps the best deal is at North Charles Fine Wine and Spirits (6213-A N. Charles St., 410-377-4655), which offers a 10-percent discount off your wine purchase, each and every time you fill its tan, six-bottle bag, $2.49, as long as you're buying regularly priced 750-milliliter bottles. "It's big time," store manager Ken Ross assures us about its popularity.