4 Ways for Grocery Stores to Welcome Reusable Bags

Certain grocery stores are incredibly stingy with their flimsy plastic shopping bags. They stuff the bags so full, I usually cannot make it through the front door without the bag shredding and spilling food all over the ground. I resolved to make a stronger effort to use reusable shopping bags. They are better for the environment and easier to carry. I thought it was a win-win situation.

I already had a couple of sturdy, long-handled bags, but they were not enough to hold a full batch of groceries. I accumulated free bags from Earth Day promotions and bought one or two bags more every time I went to the grocery store. I soon had enough bags to hold all my purchases. Unfortunately, I still use many plastic bags because most grocery stores are not set up to use the green bags.

Here are four ways grocery stores can make it easier for shoppers to avoid plastic bags.

Sell well-designed bags.
Stores were quick to cash in on the eco-friendly trend by selling inexpensive shopping bags, but these flimsy or poorly designed bags are virtually useless. Some do not hold their shape, making it difficult to fill them. Others have such small openings it is hard to add anything bigger than an apple.

Impractical "green" bags are not good for customers or the environment. Stores should commit to selling better quality bags.

Train cashiers to ask for reusable bags.
Cashiers at stores such as Sprouts and Whole Foods cheerfully ask customers for their shopping totes. All grocery stores, especially those that sell bags, should ask as well. This gives the customer a chance to present her bags before the sacker automatically begins loading a plastic bag.

Empower and train sackers to use green bags.
Using green bags often elicits an eye roll or a sigh from the sacker. Their frustration is somewhat understandable because the bagging station accommodates traditional plastic bags. Grocery stores need to add a clip or some type of modest holder to help hold tote bags in place.

They also need to train employees to be careful not to overload the bags. Even the larger totes have a weight limit and heavy bags are difficult to carry.

Reward customers for refusing bags.
Target is one of many stores that offer a small credit for refusing shopping bags. Reusable bags save stores money and can enhance the community by reducing litter and waste. Every grocery store should offer a bag credit.

Legislators across America are cracking down on plastic bags and proposed changes, such as a bag tax, will cost us more. Eco-friendly bags are more than a gimmick or passing fad and grocery stores should do more to welcome them.