I got most of my canvas bags at my commissary (military). But the part I like most about them is that the handle doesn't cut off circulation when shopping for a while (like the mall ). More comfortable to carry. Most of mine will go over the shoulder which really helps when carrying more than two! I have been using them for quite a few years now. I started when I picked up a couple at a professional convention and used one to carry stuff there. Still forget to bring them in the store occasionally. (Or forget to put back in car and leave them at home! )
Whole Foods have brown paper bags with handles. Very nice. Wish other stores would do the same. Ah, those paperbag textbook covers. Yes, the good ol days...
Paper grocery bags are not, generally, made from recycled wood, but are, instead, made from virgin wood pulp. Not very eco-friendly, even if they are less "eternal" than plastic bags.
My problem isn't remembering to bring my canvas bags to the supermarket. My problem is to remember to NOT bring them once every couple of weeks or so, so I'll have bags for the kitty litter.
That's the next part we're working on. Fortunately, they're #4 plastic, I think, and more and more waste management companies are recycling it.
Trader Joes sells some nice (big) ones for around $5. My Girlfriend always buys them but then uses them for purposes other than groceries. so we're always stuck re using the small crappy ones