[pixie]

While many peoples outside the US may think it odd, I have always hated using plastic bags for shopping purchases. Many other places you bring your own bag or basket to carry home your purchase and yet in the US we just recently started allowing the same in major retail locations. Even now sometimes security hassles people about shoplifting.

The minute the first store started selling bags I bought a couple and started using them everywhere they would allow me. I purchased my own handbasket (collapsible aluminum and nylon) and have acquired enough bags (most free) to pack away everything I purchase weekly including non-grocery items. A foldable bag is always in the car so even last minute shopping need not waste a bag. And yet I still see families with 2+ kids taking out dozens of plastic bags a week.

Although my bags make me feel good about what I'm doing I have to wonder if its enough.