I wrote a while back about the issue of plastic bags, and have really been trying not to use them. By being really focused on this, I am noticing some interesting things
It is a hard habit to break. I keep forgetting to bring in my reusable totes. Not a big deal at Costco, where they can load it all back into the cart, and I just load my own totes at the car. Harder at the grocery store. I have found you can actually run to the car while they are ringing up your order and get back in time - BONUS EXERCISE!
The other reason it’s hard to break this habit, is that it now seems to me like the people who work at stores are almost like plastic bag pushers. The bagger at my market says” Is plastic OK?” instead of what they used to day “Paper or plastic?” because it is easier for them to bag in plastic.
This week, I had three instances where they gave me a bag at a store before I even got the chance to tell them not to. the first was at the same market. I only bought 6 lemons, and already had them in a bag from the prduce department. The bagger put them into the second plastic before I could even blink. I took them out and gave the bag back, saying “I don’t really need two bags, you can reuse this.” As I walked away he wadded it up and threw it in the trash. I wanted to scream. Another was at Staples. All I purchased was a small box of blank post cards to use in my printer. Again, woosh! into the bag before I could think. I took them out and said the same thing. This clerk at least pretended to put the bag back in the area where it might get used for someone who really wanted it.
I have also noticed how many things come in plastic pags as packaging. Not sure what to do about that yet.
Oh, and we have bought some more rubbermaid containers so we can stop zip-locking every leftover and other item that needs to be contained and stored in the fridge.
I’m trying! Hope you all are too.
Karen
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5 Comments
I think the more of us who return the bags or say something even after the fact–the more aware the checkers will be. I’m mad that the plastic bag at the grocery store didn’t make it to the recycling at least–the trash–smack him. (I’m kidding–I think!)
I really hate the amount of the plastic packaging over things. The little toner cartridge for my inkjet printer that is wrapped in cardboard and then hard plastic. I know it is partly for loss prevention but do things really need so much packaging? I don’t see why.
Forgetting the totes is always the problem. However my wonderful grocery store always chooses paper as the bag.
Best way I’ve found to remember the bags is to keep one on the front seat and the rest in the trunk, so that there’s a subliminal reminder. I found produce bags at http://www.ecobags.com that are made from organic cotton. I use those instead of the flimsy ones in the produce area. We’re working on a zero plastic bag month!!! I agree that baggers are plastic pushers, though…they definitely prefer plastic because they’re in those racks.
Here in San Francisco they banned stores from giving out plastic bags (although the produce section ones have survived) and it’s been great. It really gets you into the habit of remembering your bags. And if you forget, you get paper. Some places are offering corn based plastic bags which you can use for compost.
If you are able to walk to the store, having a good canvas bag that fits over your shoulder is fantastic and you will remember because it is so much easier to carry. If you drive for groceries, storing the bags in the car means you will always have them. I love the extra bonus exercise if you have to run to get them! I also have a small bag that I keep in my purse for small purchases so I always have it with me. I’m debating purchasing these:
http://olivesmart.com/
I’m thinking they might work for produce? The smooch down into such a small space, easy to carry.
Another thought on remembering the bags: What about always writing Take Bags, or Bring Bags as the first thing on the grocery list?? I find myself in the habit of checking my list just before I leave the house in case I’ve forgotten anything or need to check the kitchen….I think that might really help.
Thanks Karen!
I love your suggestions - they definitely will help me remember and I’ll check out the web links, too. I’, from San Francisco originally, and do miss the generally more eco-friendly orientation there.
K