Reusable Bags with a Message
I asked Michael recently why he thought cashiers who were bagging my purchases seemed to always asked me questions like, “Is it OK if I put these things together?” OR “How do you want these bagged?” OR “So, you want your stuff in these (with quizzical look)”? It’s even been so bad that some cashiers stop several times during the checkout to ask me if they’re doing OK with the bagging. Weird, though this happens less frequently at grocery stores than at stores like Target.
The cashier questions and hesitation really puzzled me. I never got asked those questions before I started taking my own bags. Why are the bags making some cashiers nervous?
Then Michael said something that totally made sense: “They think of them as your personal space. They probably think if you’re picky enough to bring your bags, then you’re picky about how things are bagged.”
Oh. I also remembered another cashier commenting once, “You must really hate plastic.”
Then it became clear: I’ve been taking for granted that people who bag my groceries actually understand why I’m bringing my own bags. I always just hand the bags to the cashier quickly before they start their plastic routine and say, “I brought my own bags.” I guess that may not be enough.
If you live in an eco-minded city, this won’t be a problem for you, but some people still don’t know about the bring your own bag movement. Crazy, huh?
To help inform folks who may not understand why you’re taking your own bags, try selecting reusable shopping bags that make your reason for using them loud and clear. If you don’t like the direct approach of the “Plastic Bags Blow” bag above from reusablebags.com, then I’m guessing a bag with a cute planet image would do the same. Try the bag to the right from Etsy. Or you can add your own message on plain canvas bags.
Have you found any nice bags with a green message?
BYOB image from reusablebags.com. Planet/Heart image from Etsy/melissavest.
Tags: bring your own bag, green bags, green habits, green-shopping, reusable shopping bagsRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Green Challenge, Reuse
9 opinions for Reusable Bags with a Message
sk
Jun 2, 2008 at 9:15 am
My local grocery store (Stop & Shop) offers large, durable bags for just 99 cents, and gives a 5 cents credit PER BAG each time you reuse them.
The bags are large with a sturdy bottom and generous handles. The sit flat when opened and filled.
They also have a large recycle bin at each entrance to recycle plastic bags.
So, in just 20 visits to the grocery store - besides saving the earth from using plastic bags - you’ll have recouped your entire investment.
Jennifer
Jun 2, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I love this post (which you knew) but I’ll say it again. It’s such a good idea to carry a bag with a message, due to the fact that cashiers like to blankly stare at me all the time.
Peggy
Jun 2, 2008 at 4:08 pm
sk- It’s good you’re getting your money back. My grocery store is hit or miss about giving the discount. I don’t think they’re training the cashiers very well.
By the way, did those .99 cent bags come with a separate bottom piece to make them stand up? I had one of those, but the bottom piece cracked.
Now I just use those bags to help sort recycling.
Thanks Jennifer. I’m surprised you get looks like that since you live in one of the greenest areas!
Jennifer
Jun 3, 2008 at 12:30 am
I KNOW! What’s up with that? If you go to a “green” store they get it, but mainstream grocers stare at you like you’re nuts. Or get really confused.
kisha
Jun 3, 2008 at 3:02 am
When I first started using my bags from walmart they started to charge me for them. After I told them that they were mine they still didn’t put my stuff in the bags so I stood at the end of the register changing things over then handed them bag the plastic bags they used. The second time the did it I asked to speak to a manager and asked if all the cashiers has been trained to use the bags not just sell them.
My grocery stores are really good about using them, I make a point of putting the bags on top of, or in front of my groceries, so they know that I want my stuff put in there.
Most of the stores here, other than walmart, are really good about using the bags but then again we are a hippy town with a lot of recycling, walking, being eco-friendly.
Peggy
Jun 3, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Kisha, I’ve never tried using them at Wal-Mart since I go to Target, but your experience does surprise me a little. I thought Wal-Mart was selling reusable shopping bags. Then again, Target sells them too and some of their cashiers also act clueless about it.
dh
Jun 5, 2008 at 9:28 pm
It has gotten so much better in the stores now. Some cashiers just dive right in. The worst that I ever saw was when the bagger, bagged my bag. I handed it to him and said I have my own bag. He put the bag inside a plastic bag. I said, um no, you put my stuff in my bag and I don’t use the plastic bag. I have some home depot bags that are really great. You can dump a big bunch of cereal boxes or light stuff in it because the bag is big.
Jennifer
Jun 5, 2008 at 9:45 pm
@dh that story totally cracked me up. Too funny, clerks bagging bags! Well, sad funny.
Peggy
Jun 5, 2008 at 10:27 pm
dh, that is funny.
One bagger put my groceries on top of all my other bags once. Now, I always make sure the bags are separated - not inside one bag.
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