Plastic bags?

Question

Should all Supermarkets start charging a fee for plastic bags. are there are some out there who do?

Answer 1

If given a choice between bringing my own or being charged, obviously I would bring my own. If the answer is "let's ban plastic to save our planet" then that would sit well with everyone. However, the question asks whether or not supermarkets should charge CUSTOMERS, who are already profiting up to 100% on some items, for plastic bags, when they can easily ban plastic bags and offer only paper, should it not be the supermarkets initiative for change rather than punishing the customer to force change. The answer is simple, NO, they shouldn't. While they may be quik to charge, they will be reluctant to give back.

Having worked in supermarkets, and knowing what goes on behind the scenes first hand, I know the greed that comes with the opportunity. Trust me, this money would not benefit anyone other than the owner, it would end up in his pocket and not go for any worthy cause. If you knew where this extra charge would end up, would you still be willing to pay for plastic bags?

Answer 2

This is common practice in parts of Europe, and has been for some time. You should see the look you get from the cashier if you ask for a plastic bag.

It seems like a lot of people miss the point - it isn't to make more money for anyone, but to encourage them to bring their own bags.

A few stores in my area have started doing "bag refunds", Xcents back for each bag you provide, which makes most people happy. I've often wondered if this is the way we will follow Europe - first, give them money for doing something, then, move to charging them for not doing it as it gets more common. Hard to say.

Most of the larger grocery stores in our area are selling the recycled/reusable grocery bags. I use mine regularly, and lots of people ask me about them - including many of the cashiers that love them.

All that said, I don't think we're ready here in the US yet - without financial motivation, I'm afraid it might be awhile yet. The only way I think this works now is if it's mandated at a state or federal level so that one store isn't changing on their own (with the resulting loss of business).

Related - from what I've seen most areas do not recycle these bags, even though they are marked as 4's - our "rules" do not allow plastic bags to be recycled. Most of the stores have stopped doing it also, so I have to imagine an enormous percentage of these going into the landfill (although many may get re-used before that happens). The biodegradable ones are still very rare here - I'm guessing they are more expensive, since I can't imagine why else they wouldn't be everywhere..

Answer 3

Plastic, I can re use a plastic bag. I've had the same 4 re-usable bags for over 2 years now and they are still going strong, like to see a paper one do that. I would prefer a natural fibre one, but have you seen what shops charge for those? My girlfriend tells me paper bags take a lot more energy to produce too

Answer 4

YES AND YES!!!!!
A financial "incentive" is often ( and some admit the only) way to change behaviour. In places that do charge the cost goes to a charity and/or helping to subsidise advertising to help reduce bag usage- and perhaps to reduce the price of more expensive alternatives. The scheme would need to be coordinated so all stores started charging together.
BRing bags from home, store them in your car, then it wont be any extra cost to yoU!!
Some countries sell reusable "green" bags, THese are very popular, made from recycled plastic, very sturdy, green but can come in any colour, stand up unassisted and dont dig into your shoulder. (washable too).
But in the mean time, bring a back pack, ask for boxes (they should be provided- and some can go into your compost), or make your own re-useable bag....

Answer 5

Yes, by not providing free plastic bags and by selling them together with cotton and paper ones only at marginally lower price, supermarkets and grocery stores can do a great service to the environment.

All plastic bags are already banned in San Francisco's grocery stores and pharmacies, all bags there should be bio-degradable (made of corn starch plastic or paper).

Another example is Sweden, where only very small plastic bags are available to customers for free to pack their fruits and veggies, or take at the check-out, but "normal" bigger and sturdier plastic bags are being sold together with highly durable paper and cotton bags at the check-outs.

Answer 6

Better still would be to ban the flimsy single use bags altogether.

I'm amazed (no I mean disappointed) that some people are saying they would object to being charged. All they have to do is bring their own bags to the store. That's what I do. No problem.

Bringing your own bags to the store is a simple no cost, no hastle way of helping to avoid pollution. It's the least we can do to protect the world for our children and grandchildren. If I were a storekeeper I would charge those who do not bother to bring their own bags and give the proceeds to charity. I would rather not have the custom of those who might object.

Answer 7

Groceries are expensive enough as is, to charge for plastic bags would be a slap to the customer. I already pay taxes to my municipality for recycling services. I recycle all my garbage. The day my favourite grocery store charges me for bags, will be my last day shopping there. I'm all for making changes, however, let's not use every excuse we can find to add a few pennies here and there for a cause.

Answer 8

i haven't heard of that but i don't know everything sooo yea it's possible i'm sure. that's a horrible idea. i don't know why they would even think about doing such a thing. the plastic industry makes so much friggen money already!!! i mean, everyone is using plastic as a means for payment these days [credit cards], and that costs a HELL a lot of money. those corporations are so messed up. they don't deserve any more money than they are getting.

anyways, it's better to bring in your own bags to stores, and start recycling!!

Answer 9

In a word, no.

The grocery store I go to gives you positive reinforcement to bring back your plastic bags though -- 3 cents for each bag. Although it is a very negligible amount of money, it makes me feel good that I'm saving a few percent on my groceries every time. I would bring back my grocery bags even if there wasn't a cost or benefit associated with it.

Answer 10

I think this is a very good question. It's one I have kicked around. I shop at a store that pays me for using my own bags. They will either give me a five cent discount on my groceries for each bag I use, or they will give me a wooden nickel. The wooden nickels are collected by the store and, for each wooden nickel collected, the store donates a nickel to a local environmental program. I love putting those wooden nickels in the collection bins. Maybe if more stores would reward instead of punish we could get greater participation from shoppers.