You want a bag for that?

[OceanAnnie]

But you are upset about them asking you still? You can still have the bag, right? No biggie.

I'm not upset. I was a little peeved. It's a change. Not all the stores do it. Some do.

 

[Sparx]

99% of the time, I want a bag. Its just easier to get everything inside if you have a bag.

 

[cm8]

I have a re usable bags, and I don't put "wet" stuff in them. I can't even stand the feel of something wet on my skin much less being place in the trunk or the floor carpet wet. I get my cooler bags for that and then I load them into the cooler I keep in my trunk till I get home and un pack it. I guess some of the times I look weird using them as I love shopping in publix and harris teeters and I use my reusable bags for the NEX and the commissary, I have been told I should just buy some for those stores and I refuse. Why should it matter what name is on my bag when I'm the one that bought it. Any how, I WOULD like a bag for my purchase in case I have to bring it back and you decide to stare at me like I'm crazy because you think I stole something.

 

[bumbershoot]

I go to Trader Joes and they ask me if I want plastic or paper. But the way they ask, it's like they think I'm going to use the plastic bag to suffocate an infant with it.

I usually tell them, "I have all these frozen items and the condensation will get a paper bag all wet."

I'm sure they will get to a point where disposable diapers, cat litter & feminine napkins will all be banned.

Our TJs don't even have plastic bags. Only paper. If you have your own bags, you can enter a drawing for a $50 giftcard twice a week.

I have two insulated bags from them, cost almost nothing b/c they were on sale.

Wouldn't mind those things being banned. Poop of all kinds should be put into the wastewater system to be cleaned, instead of being put into the groundwater, indirectly, by having it sit in a landfill. And you know those "have a happy period" ads that one of the pad or tampon manufacturers has? Once I started using cloth (organic cloth at that), I started having those. The difference is astonishing.



I've never had a dept store ask me that, but we often have another bag. Even if you've been out shopping already and have, say, a Sears bag, why do I NEED a JCPenney bag as well? Just plop the stuff in the other bag. Totally not a big deal.

Is it as FUN as having a ton of bags to show that youv'e had a serious shopping day? Nope. But *fun* doesn't take precedence over being better for the world, when I really stop to think about it...

 

[Heidict]

I can tell you that working for a $30 billion international retailer, we do it for the envirnoment. Being environmentally friendly is part of our corporate culture. We have even spent money on an entire new fleet of delivery trucks that are more fuel efficient, without passing on the additional costs to the consumer.

If we didn't use them at all then what would we use, paper bags are more expensive, not very consumer friendly (even the ones with the handles) and the process of making them and shipping them is just as bad for the environment as plastic bags. As much as we would like it we can't expect every customer to bring in their own bag, but will try and do what we can to encourage them.

You would also be surprised that 20 cents will encourage some people to bring, it may not stop them from making the purchase, but will make them think about it. The Target and a few of the grocery stores in the area actually credit you for each bag used, so they are basically breaking even, they aren't spending the money for the plastic bag, but are giving you that money not to use one. What would be the point of doing this if they were being cheap, the money that they are saving is going right back out the door.

Still doesn't make sense to me. If it was being done for the environment then they just would not carry them at all. To not only still make them available, but to charge for them on top of it just screams of greed.

I have a re usable bags, and I don't put "wet" stuff in them. I can't even stand the feel of something wet on my skin much less being place in the trunk or the floor carpet wet. I get my cooler bags for that and then I load them into the cooler I keep in my trunk till I get home and un pack it. I guess some of the times I look weird using them as I love shopping in publix and harris teeters and I use my reusable bags for the NEX and the commissary, I have been told I should just buy some for those stores and I refuse. Why should it matter what name is on my bag when I'm the one that bought it. Any how, I WOULD like a bag for my purchase in case I have to bring it back and you decide to stare at me like I'm crazy because you think I stole something.

I have run around the house and torn up the closet looking for a bag for a specific store to make sure that I am returning the item in a bag from that particular store. For some stupid reason I don't want to go in to the store with another stores bag.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

What are you putting in your reusable bags that breeds bacteria? I wouldn't put leaky meat in there (I don't really buy meat anyway) but I don't see much of a problem with anything else. Kind of like carrying around a box of gum in your purse.

Any reusable bag can breed bacteria....produce being in there for one.

They did tests on them for a news story and all bags came back. People have a false sense of security with those bags...that's all I was saying.

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/...grocery-bags-may-pose-public-health-risk.aspx

A bit different than a pack of gum in your purse.

 

[Colleen27]

Around here, most places do ask and I think it is because the reusable bags have gotten so popular. My mom has a couple that fold up into a little pocket/purse-friendly carrying case that I just adore, though they are too lightweight to really be practical for groceries they're great for clothes and such.

Personally, I like when a store clerk asks simply because I'm really bad about tucking my resuable bagsin the bottom of DD's stroller and forgetting about them by the time I get to the register!

 

[Colleen27]

My only comments....

Those reusable bags for groceries--bacteria breeding grounds. I tried washing mine and they aren't really doing very well in the wash. So while everyone I see looks so proud doing their part for the environment with their crisp clean reusable bags that have never been washed...I'm just wondering about their health.

Maybe it'll offset some of the health problems we're seeing linked to over-sanitization?

I don't put meat in my reusable bags, but you're right about the store bought ones not holding up well in the wash. When one of my 99 cent bags from some chain store started falling apart, I made a pattern from the wreckage and started making my own from what's left of my kids jeans after they've become to grass-stained or ragged to wear. Those hold up a LOT better, and they get tossed in the wash once a week or so.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Maybe it'll offset some of the health problems we're seeing linked to over-sanitization?

I don't put meat in my reusable bags, but you're right about the store bought ones not holding up well in the wash. When one of my 99 cent bags from some chain store started falling apart, I made a pattern from the wreckage and started making my own from what's left of my kids jeans after they've become to grass-stained or ragged to wear. Those hold up a LOT better, and they get tossed in the wash once a week or so.

That's a good idea.

I was looking at a family fun magazine that showed how to do it out of a t-shirt as well. More of a fun bag...but cut off the collar, cut of the sleeves and then stitch up the bottom and you have an instant bag.

 

[Sparx]

Any reusable bag can breed bacteria....produce being in there for one.

They did tests on them for a news story and all bags came back. People have a false sense of security with those bags...that's all I was saying.

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/...grocery-bags-may-pose-public-health-risk.aspx

A bit different than a pack of gum in your purse.

Where do you get your produce? Where I get mine it always has a little plastic bag to isolate it from the other groceries. Or do people not use THOSE either.

 

[torinsmom]

I don't know what I'd do with the cat litter if they banned plastic bags!

I think maybe I should start hoarding them, like people seem to be doing with lightbulbs.

I feel the same way. I use these everyday to scoop the poop.

Our TJs don't even have plastic bags. Only paper. If you have your own bags, you can enter a drawing for a $50 giftcard twice a week.

I have two insulated bags from them, cost almost nothing b/c they were on sale.

Wouldn't mind those things being banned. Poop of all kinds should be put into the wastewater system to be cleaned, instead of being put into the groundwater, indirectly, by having it sit in a landfill. And you know those "have a happy period" ads that one of the pad or tampon manufacturers has? Once I started using cloth (organic cloth at that), I started having those. The difference is astonishing.



I've never had a dept store ask me that, but we often have another bag. Even if you've been out shopping already and have, say, a Sears bag, why do I NEED a JCPenney bag as well? Just plop the stuff in the other bag. Totally not a big deal.

Is it as FUN as having a ton of bags to show that youv'e had a serious shopping day? Nope. But *fun* doesn't take precedence over being better for the world, when I really stop to think about it...

You would really put cat poop with the scoopable litter attached down your toilet? That is asking for a sewage backup, which is REALLY not good for the environment. Of course, I'm sure there is some paper based litter people would suggest. I can imagine my house would be quite stinky with that stuff.

Don't all the stores recycle the plastic bags anyway? I see the cardboard bins at all the stores where people put them. At my Walmart, I can tell when they have been recycled a few times, because they are so thin.

It does drive me crazy when the cashier assumes I don't want something like a 6 pack of drinks in a bag when I have a cartful of groceries and am by myself. If it will fit in a bag, put it in there, and put as much in a bag as will fit without it breaking.

Marsha

 

[Heidict]

You would really put cat poop with the scoopable litter attached down your toilet? That is asking for a sewage backup, which is REALLY not good for the environment. Of course, I'm sure there is some paper based litter people would suggest. I can imagine my house would be quite stinky with that stuff.

Oh, Bumbershoot was talking about cat poop? I thought she was talking about something else and she had me not only really confused but a bit grossed out just imagining what was going on in her house.

 

[shortbun]

We often bring our own bags. I like it that they ask. I might be headed directly to my car and not need a bag. Conservation is important, imho. Children are growing up knowing that not every purchase requires a bag. It's good.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Where do you get your produce? Where I get mine it always has a little plastic bag to isolate it from the other groceries. Or do people not use THOSE either.

Our produce is sold open and I don't waste a bag if the item is self contained...like a cantaloupe or something. It does not mean that it is free of bacteria though. Look at the latest lettuce recall.

 

[acejka]

I had to ask for a bag for some clothes I just bought at Kohl's tonight. Sorry but yes, I do want a bag for my purchases. I re-use my plastic bags to carry lunch to work and my tupperware back home in, then it turns into a poop bag for walking the dogs, as long as its in good condition. And before anyone tells me I need to flush dog poop down the toilet, my question is, just what would I pick it up with to get it to the toilet?

 

[Keira1387]

Didn't read everyones post, but I work at a clothing store, and alot of times people will tell me to not give them a bag. Still, I never ask, but that could be the reason why your being asked.

 

[si-am]

We have a septic tank-- flushing cat litter down the toilet is NOT an option.

 

[Imzadi]

You would really put cat poop with the scoopable litter attached down your toilet? That is asking for a sewage backup, which is REALLY not good for the environment.

Yes, people do not realize scoopable cat litter sticks all over poop. It sinks to the bottom of a container & turns to pure sludge. It would not be easy to clean out of sewage pipes. My cat will not use any other litter, or I would switch.

I tried to switch her litter once, and mid-poop, she realized it was different. She jumped out of the box, scooted down on her bottom and slid and right on my newly shampooed carpet, like that dog, Toby, in the carpet cleaning commercial.

Oh, Bumbershoot was talking about cat poop? I thought she was talking about something else and she had me not only really confused but a bit grossed out just imagining what was going on in her house.

I think she was responding to my post. I wrote how kitty litter & feminine pads will be banned someday. Bumbershoot lumped them both into the same paragraph in her response.

 

[StephyDee]

I work in retail, and usually I'll give a customer a bag for their stuff. The only time I'll be different is if I see someone with a bag already, and it looks like it can clearly hold the new purchases they're about to get. That's when I ask "Would you like to use that same bag? Or would you rather have a separate bag?" and 9 times out of 10, the customer will say to use the same bag. We both then agree that it's 'one less bag'. It's not required for us to ask, but it's just common sense....if the bag you have now can fit what you're about to buy, why waste another bag? Might as well help in every little bit that you can!

While not as common, I do get the customer that doesn't want bags at all. I always feel weird having them do it that way, since it looks like they're stealing at first, but if they don't want a bag, I'm not gonna stuff one into their face. That's when I just put the 'security' sticky tape onto what they are getting, so everyone knows they bought it.

If that's true btw about Target charging 20 cents for those bags, then ! The target bags aren't even that sturdy to begin with. Paying 20 cents for each one is a BIG turnoff for me. Probably their plan, I hope.

 

[momrek06]

I live in SoCal and I have noticed that more and more in the last year. I get asked and I always say, yes, I would like a bag BUT DH always says no when they ask ...

Last week we were shopping in RIPCURL and DH bought some t-shirts ... I headed to the car as he was checking out ... out he comes with all his purchases in his hands ... I told him next time he is buying several items to GET A BAG for them. He tossed everything in the back seat.

Give me a break on Target and having to pay for bags.