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.

Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in June 2008

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

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.

Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in June 2008

Post from: Tree Hugging Family