Comments on: Paper, Plastic or Bring Your Own?

By: Johanna

Johanna — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:51:06 +0000

I hate taking bags when I have only purchased one or two things. However, when I lived in Japan, this happened several times. I was out shopping and of course (as it happens) after several hours had a handful of little bags, none of which were problematic to carry. At the last store, the lady insisted on giving me a huge bag. I couldn’t figure out why (I only spoke minimal Japanese), until she took all of my smaller bags and put them into the larger one from her store. Baffled by this, I asked a Japanese friend about it and found out that it wasn’t to help me but more to “advertise” for that store. Bigger bag=more advertisement. Such waste….

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Johanna Lasserton

By: Laurie Ann

Laurie Ann — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:42:20 +0000

A clerk at the Virgin Megastore informed me that I could not leave with the one book (and receipt) that I had purchased without a bag because it was “store policy.” I argued about the ridiculousness but he would not slide my book over to me without the bag. I took the bagged book, stepped two feet away from the counter, removed the book from the bag and dropped it back on the counter. The manager “caught” me before I left the store and I told him the policy was insane. He actually agreed with me, but said they had to follow it. I’m sure it’s some sort of advertising thing, but honestly, I can’t wrap my head around their insistence.

By: Linda

Linda — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:13:31 +0000

I’ve been using cloth bags for groceries for quite a while now. I got into the habit when I was serving in Germany, where bags are not provided at the register; you either bring your own or purchase one. I go out of my way to collect bags that are pretty as well as functional, so now my shopping is often sparked with smiles and happy memories. I do occasionally forget to bring one in with me; in that case, I go bagless, or buy one at the store (reinforcing the message to bring my own next time).

If a clerk were to give me grief about using my own bags (not usually a problem, in my experience) I would quickly inform them that I will comply with store policy this once … but will not be shopping there in the future unless the policy changes.

By: Christine

Christine — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:53:32 +0000

I started using reusable bags when I started walking to the grocery store from my house. They are much easier on the hands to carry than the plastic ones which tend to dig into my hands and feel uncomfortable. Now this grocery store allows me to scan all my items as I walk through the store, and it is faster if I bring my bags and pack as I scan.

Our local Trader Joe’s helped also with the switch by allowing me to enter a weekly raffle for a $25 gift certificate every time I used my own bags. I’ve already won twice.

My kids put the bags into my car after we are done unloading so I am almost always ready whenever we go to a grocery store.

By: Bill

Bill — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:47:00 +0000

Oh this is sooo wonderful. I wish we could do everything like Euorpe. Maybe we should all stop showering and then we could save water and we should ride are bikes everywhere to save on gas. who cares if we will smell a little more or if our industries will suffer. we should do whatever it take to save our planet even if it means hurting Humans in the process. We can make a difference if we all join in and help togather and then we could hold hands and sign a nice song. Maybe if smoke a little grass…… Wake up crazies.

By: Rejin L.

Rejin L. — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 19:35:05 +0000

A lot of store clerks will get nervous about letting you leave without bagging your items, but be firm. They are just covering their buts and don’t want to get in trouble. But point out that the receipt proves you paid for your stuff, and tell them other stores don’t have this policy. I do this (go bagless) all the time and it is getting easier.

By: Beth Terry

Beth Terry — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:17:06 +0000

Great post! I never realized the EPA had a blog. Encouraging consumers to bring their own (bags, mugs, utensils, etc.) is what we need to stem the river of disposable junk that's polluting our world. I've been attempting to reduce my own plastic consumption and plastic waste since June of 2007 and have compiled a list of plastic-free alternatives on my blog, Fake Plastic Fish, that might be useful for anyone else trying to go plastic-free. http://www.fakeplasticfish.com/thelist Beth

By: Brenda-EPA

Brenda-EPA — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:38:55 +0000

Glenn: Please contact your local EPA regional office. You can address this issue through an environmental education program, but you have to be a non-government community based organization to apply for the grant. Best of lucks!

By: Glenn Welch

Glenn Welch — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:54:36 +0000

We are starting a community awareness program on the subject of plastic grocery bags/drinking bottles in our middle school. Is there a grant available for this? If so, is it hard to apply?

By: joan

joan — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:47:32 +0000

Brenda, thanks for addressing this topic. I am trying to get onboard by purchasing my own reusable bags, but old habits die hard and I still sometimes forget to take them to the store. I think the stores need to launch some massive campaigns to get their customers on board with BYOB: Bring Your Own Bag.