Granny Cart Comeback

You’ve seen them everywhere – the ubiquitous granny cart, dolly trolley, grocery cart, shopping trolley.  Originally, these carts were used by people – let’s face it – women – to shop in their local grocery store. After getting some essentials, they  then move onto the butcher, the fruit and veges vendor and the baker for their supplies, then walk home to their cottage just a few hundred metres from the city square…possibly stopping at the egg farm on the way.

With our hurried lifestyles calling for a fast and furious shopping trip on the way from here to there, people are increasingly craving opportunities to slow down and appreciate the simple things.

The weekend can still be a leisurely time to get things done at a slower pace.  I’m thinking about buying local from the grocer up the street, a trip to the farmers markets or even just a less frantic shop at the big supermarket chains. Whatever your choice, you still need to carry your purchases from the checkout, to home to the kitchen bench. Functionality, style and sustainability is how we make the every day, more do-able and a bit more fun.

Functionality - What are you lugging?

If you’re carrying things that are all heavy and won’t be damaged by a little rough handling – then a cart that has one bag with 2 or 4 wheels is perfect.  These carts are sturdy for heavy things in particular, and sometimes come with a seat and/or a dolly wheel to go upstairs. You could even use a beach wagon if you’ve really got a big load like firewood or little kids that have run out of energy to walk.

If you are buying fruit , vegetables or other general groceries though, you’re going to have a variety of soft and hard things in that load (think plastic or glass bottles of milk teamed with soft doughy bread and tomatoes).  They don’t play nicely and need to be protected from each other.

Or maybe you are a stylist, a teacher, a workshop presenter, an artist – and you need things separated and organised into sections so you can run your day easily – imagine being ready to go when you arrive instead of sorting out the jumble for 10 minutes.

For these jobs a cart with compartments makes sense and you might want to check out our marketday cart.  We’ve produced a sleek aluminium framed cart that can be customised with 3 or 4 baskets. It has large wheels to manage most surfaces and there are some beautiful features that mean your things won’t topple out when the cart is in use. This cart has been designed by a market shopper who had the same frustrations as every other person who every went to a farmer’s market…and wants to keep going.  You can take this cart from place to place as you saunter around your local hood, or you can easily pack it into your car, folded frame and all.

What’s your style?

For many people, buying bags, clothes and accessories is a considered choice that reflects their personal style.   If you don’t feel comfortable with the thing you are carrying or wearing, you probably won’t use it very often.  The humble shopping trolley/granny cart has been refreshed by many companies around the world so  they are no longer an accessory afterthought. Many brands have totally revamped the cart's look with colours, prints and finishes to complement any style. But if you want outstanding functionality AND style, then you’ll need a marketday cart.

Sustainability - Are you looking for a long-lasting product?

Sustainability is a big issue for anyone with a stake in the future – be it for yourself, your children or any other young people in your life.  The customer demand for companies to do better in all areas of their production is driving better products and opportunity for more informed choice. 

When it comes to carts, simply using one is a "green" choice - their portable nature encourages walking instead of driving for local errands. That's fewer emissions, more steps on your fitness tracker, and a fun way to explore your neighborhood's shops and characters.

But sustainability is in the making and the life cycle of a product.  Granny carts / shopping trolleys are made from aluminium or plastic. While virgin aluminium is a source of carbon emissions, about 80% of all aluminium is recycled and reused across the world. It’s also very strong. So, used in the right kinds of products that are meant to last, aluminium is a lesser of the many evils.  The bags that are used in carts are also getting smarter – recycled PET fabrics, low water use hemp, recycled cottons.  Brands are trying to get this right. 

So, how do you buy well with a sustainability eye?  Here’s 5 ways to inform your choice.

• Look for products made from recycled, recyclable or renewable materials. Products made from recycled aluminium, plastic, paper, or other materials help reduce waste and the demand for new raw materials
• Make sure the product you are considering is made by a company that has stated sustainability values.
• Get to know the founder of the company. Chances are they are a real person doing their best to be on the sustainability path.
• Look for companies who are creating products that are designed to last with a long life cycle, and products that can be repaired, recycled or re-purposed.  You want something that can be used over and over again and with some care and maintenance, never ends up in landfill.  
• Prioritize products with minimal packaging or packaging made from sustainable materials like paper, cardboard, or plant-based plastics

So, whether you are lugging stuff from A-B for work, or heading out to your local farmers market, what will you choose to make your day just that bit easier?