A few weeks ago I proudly purchased reusable shopping bags at my grocery store. I didn’t feel great that they were made in China. I wasn’t sure if I should feel great or not that were made from “nonwoven polyprolene.” But I did feel great that I would be reusing them on every trip to buy groceries, thereby not wasting paper or plastic and making a positive impact on the environment.
Only I keep forgetting to use them. Either I leave them on the kitchen door handle or I forget them in the car. My environmentally sound purchase has only resulted in even more waste. [sigh]
I’ve just written myself a reminder on the top of my grocery list pad. I hope this works. If anyone has any other suggestions on how to get in the habit of bringing your reusable bags to the store, please advise this pitifully ineffectual environmentalist.
My brother bought a few of those. He’s told me that when he takes them to the store, often the baggers are unsure what to do with them. They put the groceries in the plastic bags, then put those bags in the reusable bags.
Also, he took the Giant Eagle bags to a competing grocery store and had to withstand many a dirty look.
But this is all probably because the reusable bags are still relatively new in this area.
I think keeping the bags in the car is the only solution. But you do have to remember to carry them into the store. At least if your reminder is at the top of your grocery list, you’ll be able to run back out before you’ve put anything into your cart.
Just keep trying. Eventually it will be come second nature.
The reusable bag situation is a real breeze anymore. It helps that Giant Eagle now sells them on more noticeable displays. 6 months ago they were selling them next to gum and I doubt that most store associates knew they were there.
When I decided to buy my first two I tossed them atop my pile for checkout, and the clerk dutifully rang them up right first so they could be used. Neither I nor the clerk paid any attention to the bagger though. Not only did the bagger not put my goods in the bags, but she bagged the two reusable bags. Separately.
I might look back and laugh, but it makes me feel bad because I was so angry with her. She might not be working there anymore.
You might find a basket easier to remember than the bags. This is still odd to the baggers, but once you tell them they can “toss it all back in” they’re big fans.
Julie, I keep the reusable bags in my car. Granted, there have been some times I am standing at the checkout — and realize the bags are still in my car, but it’s becoming more of a habit now. I agree, though, that it still seems slow to catch on. The cashiers usually see me with the bags, but start putting stuff into the plastic bags until I say “Wait!” Ah, well. Like Cindy says, keep on trying.
I have been toying with the idea of making my own bags, but I had a lot of the same worries. Although when we do go to Giant Eagle, which is the only place we shop other than the Natural Food Store, I force the baggers to use paper bags. I can at least use those to wrap packages to mail, make a small book out of them, or make other paper out of them.
Thanks you guys, for giving me hope that I will eventually get in the habit. Now if only the Giant Eagle baggers would!
Last night my cashier gave a loud warning to the bagger, “This one has his own bags!”
Back in the early 90s I was so on top of it and always carried my canvas totes to the grocery store. Then four kids happened and I have like,um 46 bags of groceries a week. BUT, I recycle the bags. They hold stinky diapers. So my guilt level is lower than if I didn’t ever use them again! Good luck with the bag thing. At Trader Joes I take my big insulated bag and stuff it with frozen goodies and they give me money back.
I reuse my plastic bags too. Every day, there is kitty litter to dispose of, so I need about 30 bags a month. Somehow, that’s just about the same number I bring in. It’s like magic.
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Handbag=shopping bag.
With shopping list in hand, proceed to your car. Only then should you place the list in your purse…so you will also then remember to put the bags (already stored in your car after emptying them from your last grocery trip) on TOP of your purse. Chances are slim that you’ll again forget to carry them into the store with you.