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Squawkfox’s post on 50 reasons to ditch the plastic sack reminded me of a recent trip to the grocery store. I usually go through the self-checkout lane because I only bring a couple of reusable bags with me, and it’s hard to convince the baggers that yes, I really do want ALL of my groceries put into those two bags. Well, except any item that comes in a sack already, or that’s easily carried without one. Why do I need a bag for a jug of milk, a bag of chips or apples, or a box of laundry detergent, for example? So it’s easier just to bag things myself. (I suppose I could also bring more bags, but I like fitting everything into just a couple of bags.)

At any rate, while I was bagging up my groceries one of the clerks came over to talk to me. He said, “You know, you’re one of the few people that actually brings their own bags in and uses them.”

I was surprised, and asked why.

He said that most people either don’t use the bags at all, or get them but then leave them at home.

I explained that I just keep a couple of bags in my car. Whenever I need to stop at the store, they’re right there. If I forget them, I can just run back out to the car for a second and get them. I know myself and my habits, so figured I’d make it as easy as possible to use the bags.

He thought that was a good idea, and went on to ask me where I’d gotten the bags. That question was interesting, since the grocery store sells reusable bags too now, but I just told him I’d gotten them at Costco. I think he’s actually considering switching to reusable bags too.

They really are very handy. I can fit nearly an entire cart full into two bags (with the exception of the items mentioned earlier.) They hold a LOT. This means that it only takes a couple of trips into the house to unload groceries, instead of the six or seven trips it used to take after a major shopping trip. They’re useful for other things too — taking books to the used bookstore, packing up stuff for swimming, etc. They can even save you money, since some stores offer a credit if you bring your own bag, and other stores charge a fee if you don’t. Some people are encouraging stores in their area to do the same, which sounds like a good idea to me.

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