BYOB: How It’s Going

The last time I talked to you about bringing your own bags to the store, I had just returned from a disappointing trip to Publix. I’d like to provide an update on my BYOB (bring your own bag) situation. For my birthday, I asked for reusable grocery bags. That’s right, I’m a dork. But, I knew that this way, no one would challenge me spending $40 on shopping bags.

My sweet hubby bought me this set from reusablebags.com. It includes 4 hemp totes, 4 produce bags, and a set of 10 of these Evert-Fresh bags. You use the totes in place of the plastic shopping bags, the produce bags in place of the clear plastic bags in the product department, and the evert-fresh bags to store the produce in your fridge.

I’ve only used the bags twice so far. The first time, I got nothing but praise from both the cashier and the bagger. "Can you imagine if everyone did this?" "Only you and one other lady bring your own bags here." On, and on. And I thought I was going to have a problem because my tomatoes weren’t in a clear bag…no problem. Then yesterday I used them again. No praise, but no problems either. So far, so good!

Additionally, in order to cut down on shopping bags at the mall, I started to carry an extra bag. I was using some random, not very pretty bag that I got free somewhere. It didn’t look that nice, so my husband & I picked up this tote from Crate & Barrel. I now use it as a giant purse when I know I’ll be shopping. It has a small zippered pocket inside that is big enough to fit my cell, wallet, pen, lipstick, etc.

I encourage you to start bringing your own bag. We can’t expect the stores to give us incentives for doing so, when it is obvious to them that no one cares.

To make your transition to BYOB a bit easier, follow these tips:

• Carry the bags in your car, or stick a small foldable one in your purse. That way you’ll always have it. When you bring them into your house, empty them and place them by the door to return them to your car.
• Have the bags ready as you approach the cashier. They are fast baggers and will stick your stuff in plastic if you aren’t quick enough.
• Tell the cashier as soon as they start ringing you up that you have your own bags. Then tell the bagger.

Let us know how your BYOB experiences go!