Overcoming Reusable Bag Shyness
June 10, 2008 by Peggy
Remembering to take your own bag to the store is one thing, but being too shy to do it is another.
One of the options in this month’s poll on why you don’t take your own bags is “I’m too shy to ask clerks to use them.”
While that option has only received one vote so far, I’m convinced there are many people out there who just don’t want to ask clerks or baggers to do something out of the ordinary. You hopefully have the facts on why taking your bags is a good idea, but now is time for some inspiring reasons to overcome your shyness.
Top Reasons You Can Take Your Own Bags to the Store
1. You made it through high school gym class. Trust me, this is far less humiliating. (Did you have to learn to square dance in gym class? I did, and I hope that knowledge didn’t make it into my long-term memory, but I dare not reach for it to see.)
2. You’re not alone. I’ve yet to find the person behind me in line with their own bags, but many clerks have told me they appreciate what I’m doing, and they’re seeing a lot of other people with their own bags. Sure, some clerks don’t get it, but they will.
3. It gets much easier after the first time. Think of it as making a friend. The longer you talk with the person (take your own bags), the more natural it becomes.
4. Nothing bad will happen to you. The clerk isn’t going to slap you or yell to the whole store, “What’s this guy’s problem? Plastic’s not good enough for him.”
5. You’ll love the roominess and feel of real bags, not one-timers that often rip before you reach your door.
6. You can always try a self checkout lane first.
7. Realize the person behind the register really doesn’t care. Even if said person audibly complains (very rare in my experience), you’ve every right to take bags with you.
8. Store owners love that you’re taking your own bags. It saves them money, and they often give that back to you with a per-bag discount.
9. If you’re single and see someone you like in line or behind the register, you have the perfect excuse for conversation. Just talk about how you love not having to throw out a bunch of slimy plastic bags when you get home.
10. It’s really no different than asking for no onions on your burger. It’s what you want. Be brave, and go for it!
Can you think of more inspiration for those too shy to ask clerks to use personal bags?
Image via Envirosax.
I’m a cashier at a crafts store, and I always appreciate people with their own bags (as I hate plastic with a passion). I’ll notice if you’re carrying an empty bag for your stuff– I’ll ask! (Others may not be as observant, but if they aren’t, simply say, I don’t need a bag, and take it out of the bag!) I’m pretty shy overall, but I’ve learned that you really don’t have to be too assertive or talkative about plastic bags. “I have my own bag, thanks” is enough.
Ah I love this post. Too funny. And some good ideas too.
I’ll be honest: Even though I own several reusable shopping bags, I seldom use them. The reason? I have three cats, and I use plastic grocery bags when I clean the litterbox because I can tie them up when I’m done.
Reason #1 – Because I’m the CUSTOMER and I’m PAYING for the food and if I want to use my own bags and it costs the store less $$, what’s the problem???
There… I feel better now!
Seriously, I have a set of Envirosax Mikado and they work GREAT – use them weekly and my grocery checkers have no issue with me using them. I especially love the green and red bags in the series. Here’s a photo of my set:
http://www.brightandbold.com/enmiba.html
Amber, I was wondering if we had any readers who were cashiers. You’re so observant to notice the bags.
I’ve started just laying my bags on top of my purchases. Otherwise I have to interrupt the cashier’s greeting to say, “I brought my own bags.” If I don’t there are five things in a plastic bag before I can get a word out. It’s habit I know.
Kristen, I’ll give you the plastic bag for cat litter thing (unless you’re collecting way more bags than you need). You can’t add litter to composting and it’s a bad idea to flush, especially if you live near the ocean as it affects marine life. I always use a large 13-gal kitchen trash bag for litter changes. I’m clumsy and would spill it everywhere with a small bag.
A good option is to use a recycled paper bag instead of your plastic bags. Whole Foods is giving them out now. If you use a natural cat litter like Feline Pine with a recycled paper bag, then it will all break down. Maybe I should start asking for one recycled bag at Whole Foods to use for litter changes. I have one cat, so I only do two litter changes a month. Ok, now this will be on my mind… : ) I really love my cat, but pets just aren’t so earth-friendly.