You may remember that last year I brought my own bags to Publix and had a weird experience in which my Publix cashier could not comprehend for the life of her why someone would not want to waste plastic bags.
Turns out, my experience was nothing compared to what local resident Alex recently experienced:
Hi Rebecca, I normally do most of my produce shopping at the farmer’s market but I recently saw a segment on TV about the Publix in Dadeland having the largest organic section, so I headed over there today and got some great things.
Everything was wonderful until my mom and I were at the register and I told the bag boy that I would be using my own bags and he politely said okay and went onto another line. Then a guy who was next to us goes to the cashier, "Why do you let these kind of people steal the jobs from the bags boys, that’s what they’re here for!!!!" And the cashier agreed and said, "I know right, you offer them help but they think they’re too good."
Well, my mom pretty much exploded with anger and explained why we do what we do and the cashier rudely replied, "Psst, yeah whatever." Everyone in the line could see what was going on and I am sure they were completely discouraged from ever bringing their own bags in fear of being humiliated by the Publix employees and customers.
How does one react to being treated like a smaller person when you’re actually making a difference? I’m scared to even go back into that Publix.
Best Regards, Alex
I have to admit that I have some days that I am commended for bringing my own bags to Publix by my cashier & bagger. Most of the time, however, it is an extremely stressful experience. What’s missing is a system for bringing your own bags – a way to let the cashier & bagger know that you don’t want to use disposable bags. And some training on the employee side to understand that this is an important issue to some customers.
The fact is, however, that Publix and other grocery stores will have no reason to do any of this until a decent percentage of their customers actually bring their own bags. Right now, I’m told by a cashier at my local Publix, it is me and one other lady. In order to affect the change, we need more people to bring their own bags! (Visit reusablebags.com for a wide variety of bags for this purpose.)
We contacted Publix regarding this matter. Here’s what they said:
"Publix customers are encouraged to discuss any opportunities with their store manager or by contacting the Publix Consumer Relations Department. For Consumer Relations, the phone number is 1-800-242-1227." You can also contact them online. Make sure to have your store name or number available when you do so.
Alex recently wrote us back after another trip to the same Publix.
I actually went to the same Publix yesterday and they now have a ton of grocery canvas bags where you check out. (I didn’t see those last time.) The bag boy was totally nice when I said I’d be using my own bag. Whatever didn’t fit in one bag he put in a paper bag for me. I had a much more delightful experience this time.
Have you brought your own bags to the grocery? How did it go?
38 Responses to “Bringing Your Own Bags Not Always Easy At Publix”
Have been using my own bags for half a yr now. I shop the Publix on Douglas bet Coral Way & 8th st. When the cashier starts ringing me up, I simply say, “would you mind using these to bag my stuff?–thanks a lot”, as I hand the bags over. They’ve always been courteous and cooperative, and even seem to take extra care in baggin everything just right.
I have started bringing my own reusable grocery bags to Publix on Le Jeune in Coral Gables about a couple of months ago. For the most part, I just get a weird look or two, but they always pack my groceries without comment. I have moved from a different state and I must say I am completely appalled at just how many plastic bags people in Miami use for their groceries! When you see people wheeling their carts to their cars, they have a plastic bag for just about every other item! Every time I go grocery shopping, I have to stop myself from saying something rude to the people who don’t realize the impact they are having by wasting so many plastic bags. What if Publix gave a little incentive for having people use their own reusable grocery bags and educated people on their horrible consumer habits? A little discount (% off the grocery bill or some other coupon?) with a grocery bill for people who bring their own bags? I’m sure Publix would be saving money on not having to buy as many plastic bags, seeing just how many bags they have to use to bag groceries for their customers!
Wow! I can’t believe that! My local grocery store has just started selling their own reusable bags. They’re cheap, and they have grommets so they fit on the bagging hooks. When I go to the natural foods store, I get 25 cents off my order for bringing my own bag. It’s not a lot, but it’s nice to be acknowledged for trying to do something good.
Even with the acceptance of BYOB, though, I rarely see anyone else with reusable bags when I’m shopping. Sad. It’s such an easy thing to do. And the bags are so much nicer than plastic, so it’s easier to carry them. It’s not like asking people to do something inconvenient.
My mom has been fighting Publix baggers for at least 15 years. She took her own canvas bags occasionally, although not the majority of the time. When we’d go shopping, she’d hang out by the cashier with checkbook in hand, while I had to stand next to the bagger and explain that no, the bag won’t break if you fill it a little more, and thanks, but the laundry detergent has a handle, so we don’t need a bag for that. And then they double-bag EVERYTHING! We’ve gotten so many rolled eyes and “crazy people” stares.
I don’t live in Miami now, but I’ve found the same problems everywhere. I don’t do my shopping all at once — I hit up the farmers market/grocery store a few times a week — so I’ve taken to keeping a folded-up canvas bag inside my purse. It really has cut down a lot on the number of bags accumulating under my sink.
I’m all for recycling. But I’m also a dog owner and I happen to use the plastic bags for poop scooping when I walk them. Does this absolve me from not being a participant of the BYOB brigade? I’ve got 3 large beasts and their attendant droppings to pickup…
Funny, I actually bought the bags Publix are selling themselves for reuse and it is still awkward. Example… you purchase the reusable bags and they try to put it in a plastic bag for you to take home! If you are going to sell them at least tell your employees what they are for…
Wow, that’s quite a story! I love mrsgotfried’s comment about putting a reusable bag in a plastic bag! Haha!
How times have changed.
When I was a kid bagging groceries at Publix, I remember getting chewed-out by my boss because a customer complained that I put too many things in the bags and that I didn’t bag the detergent (with a handle) nor the milk (with a handle) nor the kitty litter (bigger than the bag).
We’ve been using canvas bags for years without too many silly encounters. I’m sure we were one of two or three customers to do so, but things seem to be changing based on the response this post has received so far.
I found it amusing that Publix is feeling the pressure from Wild Oats and now sells their own cloth bags. I no longer feel like part of the cloth bag underground.
I bring my own bags whenever I can and I’ve gotten mixed reactions – everything from friendly cooperative baggers to a cashier who nearly rolled her eyes into the back of her head when I delicately explained that I’d like to “try” to fit everything into these here canvas bags. Didn’t stop her from clandestinely bagging my eggs!
I wonder how can people who are honestly trying to be eco-friendly and step lightly on this earth live in Miami…where some of the most wasteful,ostentatous,consumeristic materialistic,uncaring,keeping up with the Joneses mentality big hat no cattle type of people live.
Don’t you get totally frustrated with the strange looks and comments,rolling of the eyes and outright ridicule you get when you
are trying to keep a modest lifestyle and have an environmental conscience?
How do you people cope with this?
Do you just shut up and isolate yourself from the bulk of the population?
Other than in the few responders
to blogs like this one…where are
people like yourselves(And myself to a large extent)
That unfortunate incident was completely unecessary! She said “I will be using my own bags.” She didn’t say “don’t bag it for me.” The bag boy could still do his job, for pete’s sake. What difference would it have made if he was using a customer’s bags? Everyone appreciates the free help! It’s funny that he assumed he couldn’t do his job without plastic bags. What could’ve been a win-win for all ended up in an uncomfortable moment. Good thing Publix pricked up its ears.
I use canvas bags mostly for picking up small batches of items at Publix, Wild Oats, CVS or anywhere I make small purchases. But when I go for a big grocery shopping trip, it’s simply not possible. I then recycle all plastic bags from Publix on my next trip.
First of all, thanks to everyone who has commented so far. This is an issue that strikes emotion not just from me, but from the community!
To all: PLEASE contact your local grocery store manager (in person is best, email also an option) to let them know how your experience has gone.
Carolina: I too have found that BYOB’ing it is easier with two people. One to pay & watch the prices, the other to deal with the bags.
Will: yes, I use the plastic bags I do ocassionally get to use as trash bags around the house. If you’re interested, there are biodegradable poop bags…
Mrs. Gottfried: I have seen this, too. I think it must root from the fact that some people must do it only to be able to handle them better when the walk or bus to the store? I agree, some training should be done around this issue.
Mr. Sunshine: I believe you when you say you were scolded when you put “too much” in the bags.
Latin Bombshell: I agree – BYOB doesn’t have anything to do with not needing a bagger.
I am SO glad to know I’m not alone!
I’ve had all the experiences mentioned above in the 3 years since I began using canvas bags at Publix. I continued writing to corporate, getting a friendly phone call from managers and a promise to educate the baggers. I’ll always remember the bagger who immediately stuffed all my canvas bags in a plastic bag or the one who held the bags up and asked “what do you want me to do with these?”
I know San Francisco has banned plastic bags but otherwise, I do wonder if other cities are as trashed with floating plastic bags as Miami. I pick them up as I walk around South Beach. What breaks my heart is when I do bay clean-up projects and see them all along the shore knowing how many wind up in marine animals’ stomachs or strangling others.
Oh, but one other thing – I can carry SO many more groceries in my over-the-shoulder canvas bags than the plastic ones.
I’m really surprised by the story about the Dadeland Publix, since I’ve been using my reusable Chico bags there since at least January. How sad that people can be so attached to plastic that they think you are a freak when you don’t use it.
At my Publix, when they ask paper or plastic, I just say, “I brought my own.” A common response from baggers and cashiers has been “Oh how cool” or “Where did you get this?” when they see how the bag goes from pouch to bag. I’ve never lost a bagger because of it. I am happy to read about others who do this, since I am the only person at my Publix who I see bringing their own bags. I guess the more of us do it, the more common it will become. It would be great if Publix would give a small discount like Wild Oats does.
I’m really surprised by the story about the Dadeland Publix, since I’ve been using my reusable Chico bags there since at least January. How sad that people can be so attached to plastic that they think you are a freak when you don’t use it.
At my Publix, when they ask paper or plastic, I just say, “I brought my own.” A common response from baggers and cashiers has been “Oh how cool” or “Where did you get this?” when they see how the bag goes from pouch to bag. I’ve never lost a bagger because of it. I am happy to read about others who do this, since I am the only person at my Publix who I see bringing their own bags. I guess the more of us do it, the more common it will become. It would be great if Publix would give a small discount like Wild Oats does.
p.s. I just sent this thread to Publix along with the suggestions that they educate their employees about the reusable bags and that they give a small discount for the reusable bags like Wild Oats does. Wonder if they’ll respond…
When I was backpacking in Australia and New Zealand a number of months ago…I was thrilled to see them charge, even if nominally, for the use of plastic bags. That’s in EVERYONE’s best interest. I’d love to see publix do it here!
Hi there!
I work at Publix as a Decorator, and a few months back we introduced the “Green bag” I bought about 20 of them, (10 for me and more for gifts) and now my store expects myself, and others to use them. If I forget them one day I get harassed for NOT using them. When the baggers first started to deal with them, they were a little concerend with making the bags too heavy (because they hold so much more), but with more people using them, they are a lot better with it now.
We have spoken with our District Manager about the use of them, and how in Europe they charge per grocery bag when you do not bring your own. My thought on that though is that until enough people actually make a show of using them, there is not going to be enough of an impact to take notice of.
So keep using them, and I will continue to work on the employees to use them theirselves. (You wouldn’t belive how many bags I brought home until I switched over!!)
Thanks!
Thanks for the link to reusable bags!
SCG
Thanks for the link to reusable bags!
SCG
Thanks for the link to reusable bags!
SCG
Thanks for the link to reusable bags!
SCG
My wife and I have been carrying our own bags to Publix for two or three years now, to the amusement of the checkout staff. Once in a while a bagger shakes his head at our reluctance to accept the store bags, but for the most part they’re cooperating. I don’t see many folk doing as we are, though.
I have taken bags to the grocery store. Once they know who you are, and that you ordinarily bring your own bags, they aren’t too bad about it. However, until you reach that point, chances are that you are going to be getting a mixed reaction. Some good, some bad, some indifferent (Well, okay, very few poeple are indifferent to paper vs. plastic vs. cloth) I switched to cloth for a selfish reason, not for any high ideals, save the planet, eco-terrorist reason. However, even though it’s a selfish reason, I’m still having an impact. There are those who could care less about saving the planet. There are those who could care less about plastic bags floating about the ditches and waterways. I do care about those two things. However, I use cloth bags for a selfish purpose. (plastic bags cause awful welts and itching. My allergist says it’s one more thing that I’m allergic to.) I don’t know what Publix is: by the context, I’m assuming it’s the store, not the website. I suppose that we humans will always have other humans who will lash out when their “status-quo” is challenged.
At any rate, in spite of the opposition, keep taking your bags to all stores If you use 2 fewer plastic bags each week, that’s 104 fewer plastic bags blowing about the highways and the landfills and the waterways
So I contacted Publix and referred them to this page so that they would be aware of how some people were having trouble. They really were responsive, leaving me two messages from the Dadeland Publix. When I finally spoke to someone (after they called a third time) they apologized for the fact that some people had been having trouble at the Dadeland Publix. The man who I spoke to mentioned that he had read the comments on this post. He also said that he had talked to the employees. I thought that was cool that they were so responsive. I forgot to ask about the money back thing though! ANyway, when I was there yesterday they had these resusable “greenbags” available for purhase at EVERY register. So hopefully things will improve!
My husband & I shop at the Publix at the Midway Plaza (#00302). It’s a weekly stressful moment when I approach the checkout. I normally put my bulky canvas bag filled with my other bags at the first of the line & tell the cashier, “I’ll be using these.” Regardless of my friendly smile, I’m usually then faced with a colder attitude & tight lips from the cashier while the bagger looks at me then starts reluctantly fumbling to figure out how to use them. That’s when I hurry to try getting the rest of my groceries on the conveyor belt so I can help by holding open the bags & coaxing on how to help me. If I don’t make it in time there’s usually several plastic bags already within the canvas! Believe me, it’s a struggle not rant & scream, tearing the plastic out of my bags. We finish up, I thank them with a smile & tell them what a good job they’ve done then proudly go my way knowing I’ve made my contribution to recycling & conserving!
I’ve been in some stores that refused to put my items in my bags. They say their store logo has to be on it for security. I tell them all I need is the items with the receipt & to be able to show it at the door. I refuse to use their plastic. I’ve even had to speak to supervisors over this matter.
I fervently hope that soon, stores will charge people for using plastic or paper, giving an incentive for people to use canvas bags! I commend Publix for having bins outside to receive the plastic & styrofoam to recycle.
My wife and I had similar experiences at Publix. We would usually just get dirty or confused looks from the bagger and cashier and to top it all off the baggers seemed to forget everything about bagging. Luckily when my wife joined the Air Force we began using the base commissary and found the bagging experience much more friendly. The commissary prides itself in serving the men and women in uniform and where money can be saved (such as in this case) there is no hesitation.
My wife and I had similar experiences at Publix. We would usually just get dirty or confused looks from the bagger and cashier and to top it all off the baggers seemed to forget everything about bagging. Luckily when my wife joined the Air Force we began using the base commissary and found the bagging experience much more friendly. The commissary prides itself in serving the men and women in uniform and where money can be saved (such as in this case) there is no hesitation.
I get weird/dirty looks at shops all of the time for not wanting bags. But my worst green experience in South Florida was when I first moved to the area. I leased an apartment at the Summit Las Olas (now Camden Las Olas.) When I asked about recycling, the leasing staff gave me a weird look, and then when they realized I was serious, they laughed and told me that “no one in Florida recycles.” Sadly, the building was brand new, but there were no recycling facilities.
I get weird/dirty looks at shops all of the time for not wanting bags. But my worst green experience in South Florida was when I first moved to the area. I leased an apartment at the Summit Las Olas (now Camden Las Olas.) When I asked about recycling, the leasing staff gave me a weird look, and then when they realized I was serious, they laughed and told me that “no one in Florida recycles.” Sadly, the building was brand new, but there were no recycling facilities.
It is deffinatly a US thing. While visiting France in 97′ I saw the stores there had very hefty and durable bags. I was discouraged at the thought of having that durable a bag being a “disposable” item. Then it was explained to me that they were not “disposable” and that you paid for them on the bill. They were like $.25 each. We needed two that day. I then noticed that almost everyone was brining the bags back to the stores or bringing their own canvas or nylon bags as well. So the fact that the bags are a chargable item makes people recycle their own bags. By the way I have been taking those same bags to Publix since we returned and the bags have been holding up well for 10 years now. I do forget to take them sometimes and if I am making an unexpected trip then I don’t always have them but I do use them on a pretty regular basis. The baggers and cashiers pretty much know that when you put those bags out they can be filled with about as much stuff as 3-4 of the “disposable” bags. I keep telling them to fill it to the top and then I pick it up by the handles and put it them in the carts. They are always amaized and ask if they break. Like I said I have had the same 2 plastic bags for about 10 years now without breaking.
I shop at the Publix in Marietta, GA on the Dallas Highway. They have a hard time keeping the reusable bags in stock. The cashiers and the baggers have said to me that they prefer them, because you can fit more and it is actually faster. I smile when I see ladies coming into the store with a pile of their green bags in the front of the cart.
They have also rearranged the store and have a huge organics section now. I love Publix!!
I also had a negative experience with Publix recently at the Key West location. My husband and I held up our canvas bags and explained that we would like to carry our groceries home in those instead of plastic bags. The bagger looked at us like we were crazy and started to bag our groceries in plastic. My husband explained again that we would prefer to use our own bags instead. The bagger then launched into a tirade to the cashier in Spanish, (which she did not seem to realize we understood) griping about how “Americans don’t know what it is like to have to work”. My husband, seeing that she was clearly angry about being asked to use our bags, said that he would be happy to take over. She then began to bag our groceries in plastic again, and it really looked like she was racing my husband to grab all the groceries first. I complained to Publix in writing and received no response. I only hope that next time I have time to wait in the huge customer service desk line to speak with a manager.
Forgot to mention that my Mom took a shortcut around the back of her store one day and saw the “recycling” bin for plastic bags being emptied into the dumpster.
My wife and I have been bringing our canvas bags to grocery stores and even the mall for many years now. I must say that a few years ago it really was a battle and many places made it uncomfortable. Nowadays, it seems to be getting easier and easier, especially at our Publix. Once in a while you’ll get the cashier that wants to bag the groceries in plastic before putting it the canvas bag. When we’ve forgotten our bags and had to use plastic we’ve asked to please have the bags filled to capacity, a concept that’s totally contrary to how they’ve been trained. I find it easiest to politely ask the bagging person that you’ll bag your own groceries.
we should not use the bags because then we would not be kill animals and plants or are selfs.
we should not use the bags because then we would not be kill animals and plants or are selfs.
im sorry to hear you all have had trouble at publix with reusable bags.
however, i’ve worked there for 3 years now, and everyone i work with would prefer to bag reusable bags. we fit more in there, and it costs our store less money to pay for the plastic bags. plus, they’re easier to carry!
we have reusable bags everywhere, and stickers to give to customers to remind them to bring their bags.
hopefully things start turning around at your local stores too!