2008.02.29
Regulating the grocery bag
Here’s a new option for cheap, reusable bags if you’re interested in helping to save the environment on your next trip to the grocery store.
The Fresh Market recently rolled out reusable bags that are cheaper than its canvas versions, which are $9.99 each. The new bag, pictured to the left, is 99 cents.
And while we’re on the subject of where to find reusable bags, the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op on Grandin Road also sells U.S.-made, cotton canvas versions.
Some of you have commented about what you think of efforts by some local grocery stores to encourage customers to use reusable or paper bags, because they are touted as safer for the environment than plastic sacks.
A Virginia legislator, Sen. Frederick Quayle of Suffolk, earlier this year introduced a bill to give local governments the freedom to ban grocery stores from using plastic bags unless they are made of durable plastic. This bill did not make it out of committee, though other states and cities, including New York and San Francisco, have banned or limited the use of plastic bags by retailers.
Do you think the government should regulate the kinds of grocery bags that consumers use?
I do not think that “regulating grocery bags’ is an appropriate role for government. It ranks up there with holding hearings on baseball players’ alleged use of performance enhancing drugs. There are much, much more important challenges for our government officials to tackle.
Comment by Jim D — February 29, 2008 @ 4:12 pm
Check out BaggyShirts - Reusable Bags Made from Recycled Clothing for a Healthier Planet! http://www.baggy-shirts.com - handmade in the US, and the artisans who make them work from home (cuts commuting carbon emissions) and are paid a decent wage - Very Cool! Very Green!
Comment by Dana Miller — February 29, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
I think Plastic grocery bags,plastic soda bottles, plastic milk cartons, plastic medicine bottles and all plastic packaging should be banned.
Comment by Martha Umberger — February 29, 2008 @ 8:34 pm
I do not think government should regulate anything the private sector does. However, not many of us can afford 9.99 for a bag, and I am happy to see we now have a .99 cent one.
There is so much discussion on plastic bags, why not on disposable diapers?????? These are health hazards when put in landfills and take up more room then plastic bags. Not to mention seeing them in parking lots, parks, along the road etc. I would much rather see a plastic bag floating in the air then step out of my car onto a nasty diaper!!!!!!!!
I can understand them being required by day care and convenient while traveling. But I am sure the usage can be cut back. Child suppoert often requires money for diapers, how about using the old fashioned cloth, still available, and I am sure would be more comfortable for baby.
Comment by Mary — March 1, 2008 @ 9:22 am
In all fairness you should also mention that Krogers has offered paper bags for a long time. Also both Krogers & Ukrops have reusable bags for sale. It is up to the individual to use what they feel fits their needs. I think the paper bags should be promoted a little better, put out where people could see them. Maybe the clerks could offer the paper bags when they are packing the groceries.
Comment by Martha — March 3, 2008 @ 11:41 am
It was less than 20 years ago when everyone was urging people to choose plastic bags not paper to "save a tree."
Maybe glass bags will be next.
Comment by adowntownbusiness — March 3, 2008 @ 12:28 pm
I got one of the reusable Kroger bags for free with a coupon and I love it! It is much larger and more durable, especially when I am buying a lot of heavy things.
Comment by Michelle — March 3, 2008 @ 4:55 pm
I LOVE the reusable bags. They hold more groceries and they don't spill all over the car. I just have to get into the habit of remembering to bring them with me to the store.
I smack myself in the forehead everytime I roll my cart to the checkout lane and realize I left my blue Kroger bags in the car.
I am going to have a nasty bruise if I shop very often.
Comment by Nona — March 3, 2008 @ 6:15 pm
The majority of those reusable bags will never see the grocery store again! I have seen several people this week using their Kroger bags to haul workout gear, office supplies, and such.
Comment by Greg — March 4, 2008 @ 12:23 pm
Nona,
I know what you mean. I've also forgotten to bring the reusable bags into the store with me! Eventually we might get in the habit of having them with us.
Comment by Jenny — March 4, 2008 @ 2:30 pm
Martha,
I agree, store clerks could do a better job of offering paper bags for use, rather than assuming that everyone wants plastic. They often do not ask about whether customers want one or the other.
Also, I've mentioned Kroger and Ukrop's reusable bags in past blog posts, so I didn't mention them again. Those bags also are affordable options.
Comment by Jenny — March 4, 2008 @ 2:35 pm
Ukrops offers a nickel discount for every paper bag that you bring back and have your groceries repacked in.
Comment by Jason — March 6, 2008 @ 8:30 am