It's been awhile since I've been on these boards, but I thought you would be the perfect bunch to help me with this!

I'm finally taking the plunge and buying some re-usable grocery bags. I've been looking online and there is quite a selection! So, to any veteran reusable-bag-users, what kind of bags do you use? What do you like/dislike about that kind? Here's the site I've been browsing: http://www.reusablebags.com

I'm also a little unsure of the proper etiquette for bringing your own bags into a store. Do you put them on the conveyor belt, in front of your groceries? Do you hand them to the bagger? Do you bag your own?

TIA!

Becky

I use the Eco String Bags, they expand and hold a lot of groceries....mainly produce for me.

If there is a bagger at the register I am chacking out at. I will hand them to the bagger. I bag myself when there is no one to bag and I keep them in my basket until I am ready to bag. No etiquette really, just do what comes natural. :)

I'd really love to switch to reusable bags. Does anyone have any tips on how to remember to bring them to the store every time? I cannot keep track of objects and regularly replace them.

I use green bags. Mine came from Whole Foods. I use them elsewhere also though. I usually put them on the conveyer belt with my foods. Whole Foods gives me a discount for using them. I have found a few other places will do that too. I was really suprized when my local chain store gave me 10 cents back for using my reusable bag. No complaints here. I have never had a problem using them. I do keep them in my car so I will use them whenever I shop.

I almost always forget my bag. I only have one because when I shop, it is usually just for me to have soy ice-cream or extra produce in my omni household.

One time I did remember to bring it when I was picking up a few things at a big chain grocery store in southern California and the cashier was really weird about it-
me:"oh, I brought my own bag" *hands it over*
cashier: (to bagger) "oh, she brought her own bag. hmm"
Then they both laughed to themselves and the bagger had a huge smirk on his face when he handed it back to me.

I'd really love to switch to reusable bags. Does anyone have any tips on how to remember to bring them to the store every time? I cannot keep track of objects and regularly replace them.

I keep them in my car. as soon as I finish putting stuff away they go back into the car or else I forget all about them.

Then they both laughed to themselves and the bagger had a huge smirk on his face when he handed it back to me.

in that situation, I would say- "excuse me, do you have something to say? because you seem to be smirking or laughing at the fact I brought my own bag." being called on stuff like that does wonders to shut people up.

I got into a situation once before I had the resuables because the bagger was only putting 4 items in each bag a double bagging unessessarily, and got very snide when I asked her to pack the bags heavier, as i didn't want to waste bags. she continued to pack them light and I proceded to then hold up the line while I rebagged everything. when she huffed about it I told her that not only was she wasteful but rude.


ah, the adventures of grocery shopping!:D

in that situation, I would say- "excuse me, do you have something to say? because you seem to be smirking or laughing at the fact I brought my own bag." being called on stuff like that does wonders to shut people up.


I've never been that bold, it would probably be fun. ;)

I think I was in a really good mood that day for some reason and I was happy that I remembered my bag, so I just smiled and walked away. On an average day it would have been a bit more upsetting.

I use both re-usable grocery bags as well as individual smaller re-usable bags inside the larger bag.

In all the years I have been using these bags, I only encountered one person that felt it was funny that I brought my own bags. The cashier saw that I was not responsive to his laughter and asked me why. I didn't say one word. I didn't even as much as make eye contact. He then apologized and still I was unresponsive. Rest assured, he not only never made fun of my bags again, he never said another word to me again.

As far as etiquette goes, I just say I will bag my own groceries. I do make sure I thank the bagger for asking though, it is important to be polite.

Hi colorful, I was wondering what happened to you. :whip:

I have grocery bags from Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, the local co-op, and some time ago I bought a whole set from Seventh Generation. My favorite is the HUGE oversized bag from VegNews magazine that I got as a premium when I first subscribed. I prefer bags with long handles so they can be slung over my shoulder.

I've been able to remember to bring them into the stores lately, and I usually leave them in my cart until I get into the checkout. Then I tell the bagger I brought my own bags, but I have to do it FAST, because more often than not the bagger will have started bagging with the store bags before I get a chance to tell him/her. I'm usually distracted because I'm busy with coupons or paying for the groceries.

Some stores will offer a small refund of 5 or 10 cents per bag when you use your own. As a matter of fact, and I don't know if this is just the local store I was shopping in on Sunday, or all the stores, but I just found out that at Trader Joes, if you use your own, you're eligible to enter a monthly drawing for a TJ shopping spree.

Here are some other threads on the subject:
http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/search.php?searchid=1212912

I usually just reuse paper bags from stores. I'll usually double bag them, and some of them have held up for a few years. I try to take them back into the same store that I got them from, but don't really worry about it if i bring the wrong bag into the wrong store. A lot of people around here reuse bags, so no one finds it that odd. The only time its annoying is when you use the U-scan things, and it yells at you if you put the bag on the baggage area or you just try to bag stuff on the floor, so you have to get the cashier at the end to hit the button.

Those poor minimum wage earners are actually forced-- told by management---how to pack the bags and live in fear of loosing their jobs. The best etiquet in a No frills situation is to just bag your own. I do best at building relations with regulars who wor at a certain time. they will eventullay know that you do not want bagging. I do this and like the string bags better than the totes. They seem to hold a lot.

I always pick up canvas bags at thrift stores or garage sales to use for my groceries. I've never had a problem from baggers..but I usually bag my own groceries too.

One time I went to the store and picked up 2 things.. a 12 pk of diet coke and a bag of apples. The cashier started to bag the bag of apples and I told him not to please. He looked and me funny and asked me "how will you carry them out" I was like.. your kidding right? I just raised up my hands at him and grabbed the bag of apples..that's why we have hands is to carry.. LOL

I collect canvas bags wherever I go and use those for groceries.

I have a few from Whole Foods in Toronto, and in Indianapolis I picked up a recycled plastic bag at Sunflower Market, and a canvas bag from Trader Joe's. I also have one from Wild Oats, and another from Farm Sanctuary. I have 5-6 more from various less interesting places.

I have a couple of string bags (that I bought from the site that the OP linked). I love them! I leave them in my car and put them back as soon as I put my groceries away so that I don't forget. I usually use the self-checkout line at the store (I'm a college student so I never really but a lot of stuff at once), and I've gotten a few strange looks but never any comments.

Thanks for all the responses! I knew this was the right place for this question!

SeaSiren - The Eco String bags are the ones my husband liked best. Maybe we'll go with those. I like that they are compact and they come with a tiny carrying tote. Hopefully I can just keep them in my diaper bag and I'll have them with me at all times.

LidsayLu - Sorry the grocers were rude to you about using your own bags! I guess that's kind of what I'm worried about. But, I shop at Central Market (not sure if that's a local or national chain) - which is a very organic, whole foods-minded place, so hopefully they will be receptive to me bringing my own bags.

As far as the etiquette issue, I guess there's no standard set of rules to go by. I'll just try to be polite and as helpful as possible. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to ask them what is easiest for them, too.

Thanks again!

Becky

I have a bunch of canvas totes that I've gotten for free. One is from a bank, one is from a cruise ship, a coca cola one, one from the library for volunteering, a couple from my old job, some that my boyfriend got for free from his work. They're still a heck of a lot stronger and easier to carry than plastic (I just sling them over my shoulder). I love them. The people at the grocery store do mutter under their breath when I bring them out though. It's pretty embarassing. But honestly it's a win/win--good for the environment, easier for me.

I am considering getting some canvas bags as well - if some bagger boy gives me attitude about, he can kiss his job goodbye because I'll ask to speak to the manager.

The grocery store I go to actually sells canvas bags, so I hope it won't be an issue :)

I got most of the shopping bags at the thrift store. I used folding bags because that means I can slip them into a pocket and leave them in my car easily. You can easily fill all of your shopping bad needs at a thrift store providing you don't mind if they don't match or have special logos on them.

I found a few net type bags at the thrift store of which I've given two to family members to encourage them to use shopping bags.