I've been trying to use nothing but reusable bags for the past couple of weeks, even in non-grocery store places (like for take-out food and at the pharmacy). I feel like I'm doing OK, except for the following:
(1) I still forget my reusable bags a lot when I go into non-grocery store shops. I then refuse a bag from the cashier at the store, which is fine in some instances (like if I've just purchased a single big cookie, or am picking up a gallon of milk), and not so good in other instances (like when I refused a bag on Halloween and left Rite Aid trying to juggle several large packages of candy and other incidentals out to my car while searching for in my purse for my car keys!).
(2) I get take out food more often then I should, and when I go to pick it up it's usually bagged up already. Should I tell the restaurant over the phone that I'll bring my own bag?
(3) Some of the clerks in my local shops are SO QUICK to grab a bag and put all of my merchandise in there. Before I can say "wait-I've got my own bag!" they've already opened up a plastic bag and quickly arranged everything inside. Then if I take my stuff out of the opened bag and give it back to them, they give me a look that implies that they're now just going to throw that crumpled bag out anyways. Hmm.
I hear you - people at check outs are so used to doing their job as quick as possible, they pop stuff in a bag right away! As soon as you walk up to them - let them know you have your own bag - it's an easy habit to get into.
ReplyDeleteI have found that lately baggers are getting better about at least asking what kind of bag you want. There was a stretch when every time I went shopping there was not even a question - it was plastic.
The restaurant thing is tricky - remember that the food could be a bit messy too if it leaks out of the containers. I would say - less takeout! Thisk of all the styrofoam containers! But that's just me! ; ) Let's do a recipe section, too! I need more easy recipes!