Paper or Plastic?

**kaykwilts** · 06-24-2007, 04:11 PM

The correct answer should be neither. I saw a program this morning. Said it takes 1,000 years for plastic to break down. Paper is not too good because it uses up a lot of trees. I'm thinking about making my own cloth bags to take shopping but nobody else does it in my town. I'm not sure how the stores would feel about it. They might think I'm trying to shoplift or something. I understand they have outlawed plastic bags in San Francisco. I'm sure eventually it will reach the east coast were I live but usually takes several years once an idea forms on the west coast.

**crazyBMB** · 06-24-2007, 07:44 PM

I have tried clear plastick beach bags. They hold a lot of stuff, you can use them over & over, and the store folks can see that I'm not stealing. You could also let them when you come in that this is what you are doing

**pip** · 06-24-2007, 08:20 PM

I picked up a couple large canvas type bags from Cub Foods and am now trying to remeber to use them. I'm keeping them in my car. I haven't got up the nerve to use them at Target yet, though.

**Siebrie** · 06-26-2007, 08:38 AM

There is always one who has to set the example. Good luck!

**BeyondFrugal** · 06-26-2007, 04:56 PM

My store would love it if people started using thier own bags. The price for thier plastic bags just went up so they're really cramming things in them.

The problem is this tho- their counters are set up just so. Anything bigger or quite differently shaped from the plastic bags would make is tricky and clumsy to fill them. They hate it when people ask for paper. There's just a small edge to sit a paper bag and it falls easily.

I use plastic. When they start charging for bags, I'll make my own. Or take a suitcase, lol.

-Elaine

**orlivin1225** · 06-26-2007, 06:41 PM

One of the grocery stores here my town started selling a 'canvas like' tote bag for bagging groceries. I picked one up so I could load snacks and stuff into my car for the summer. (We do a lot of park playing and sightseeing close to home) They were .99 cents for one bag, (prob could have found cheaper) but they are the size and shape of a paper bag. They even stay open on their own. Even is I used them 10 times before they fell apart, I think that's a great deal!

**kittykatstrong** · 06-28-2007, 01:58 PM

When I shop at Aldis I bring a laundry basket to put everything in. I should start to do it at other grocery stores but I think I would be embarresed. I saves time bringing them in to.

Katy

**miss_thrifty** · 06-28-2007, 04:26 PM

sobeys in our town gives you choice if u ask. paper bags, plastic bags and for sale reusable bags.

**itsahumanzoo** · 06-28-2007, 04:30 PM

Our store sells cloth bags. They're $1.50, and they give you 5 cents back everytime you resuse them.

**flowergirl** · 06-29-2007, 11:18 PM

some of you guys may of read about my opinion of this I use cloth almost always
at least three of our major stores in this area give 5cents for each bag I bring in I leave them folded in my cart until I get in the check out . I do this for a personal reason I live near a landfill a big one it is the tallest place in this county now and at one point it was a hole my husband and I were driving on a road down wind of the dump the company has bought all of the houses around it well you would not believe all the plastic bags in the trees I mean there was hundreds of them in the trees(this is why they have bought all the houses) I wish I had a camera well this made me be very consistent about using cloth I bought them from a local store big ones for 2 dollars each got 7 of them I try to do my part
I don't care what the baggers or cashier may think they will have to get use to it .

**PB&J** · 06-30-2007, 11:56 AM

I dug out a bunch of fabric that I have and I'm going to make some bags for myself. I have a bunch of pink denim that I never used for anything, plus some fabric samples. They are thick decorator type fabric and just big squares. Big enough to make one bag from each square. I bought them at a thrift store a while back for really cheap since they were just samples.

**imforpeace** · 07-24-2007, 10:38 AM

Yes, neither. I only use canvas bags for everything. I love the looks I get shopping at the mall. he he

**freeze** · 08-05-2007, 02:01 PM

I started using canvas bags about 2 months ago. I have been to many stores including Target and Walmart without a problem. At my one grocery store I get 5 cents back per bag. I sure wish more people would do this. It seems like I am the only one. If I need to go try something on in the fitting room I take the bags with me and no one has questioned me regarding this.

**betharoo0** · 08-05-2007, 02:18 PM

I think when they bag your stuff up they would see that you are not trying to steal. If they say anything just say " Iam trying to cut down on costs by not using your bags and the earths waste also"

**freyadog** · 08-05-2007, 04:53 PM

I have 5 nice sized bags finished and have 5 more cut out and ready to be put together. Mine have bottoms and sides; not just two pieces of material sewn together. I put a plastic trash bag in one or two before I leave for the grocery store and that is what my meat, ice cream etc. goes in for the trip home. My stores have finally gotten use to me and my bag of bags.