For me, I don't like pulling a cart. Since the farthest you have to go is 1.5 miles, I would add double rear baskets, [ some are folding ] fastened to a rear rack with a spring loaded bar, & a front basket that hangs on the handlebars, that has a handle built in, & is removeable. You can carry a lot with this combo !
Look up baskets on this site;
www.niagaracycles.com
Rear baskets like on this post.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=556458