yay! Possible plastic bag ban!

romigu · August 2011

Ok...I know I'm a granola geek but I really hate what a waste these grocery/shopping bags are. I hope they pass this.

https://www.kvue.com/news/City-Council-members-will-vote-on-a-plan-to-ban-plastic-bags-126777263.html

Nessia · August 2011

Would stores start using paper bags or will single use bags be banned completely? This is an interesting idea. I don't know what the argument is for "hurting the low-income."

Ricola · August 2011

Well, I heard yesterday that they now realized that using that many more paper bags will kill more tress, so they plan on banning those along with the plastic bags.

I am used to paying 10 cents per plastic bag/20 cents per paper bag from Germany, where you also have to bag your own groceries. I usually just kept a laundry basket in my trunk and used that to transport the groceries into the house. I was so excited when I moved here 3 years ago and someone bagged the stuff for me, all for free! Smile

angelaggie · August 2011

I'm torn on this. Stores will be required to use paper or at least provide them. Fine for large stores, but mom and pop stores will be hurt. It's double the price for paper.

chargermama · August 2011

Call me a carbon footprint monster.. but this is not a yay in my book. The fact that now people will be forced to buy re-usable bags just to get their groceries home is really another tax on low income people. Not to mention not giving people an option - just telling them this is how it is like it or not.

I'm not a fan.

I use re-usable bags but our family also uses the grocery bags for things like dog poop, diapers,etc.

romigu · August 2011

It sounded like any single use bags would be banned. That store they mentioned banned plastic and paper...that would be more cost effective than just switching to paper which is more expensive and also consumes more natural resources. I kind of like Germany's way of doing it!

Chicklit · August 2011

Thoughts:

1) Those supporters sound really obnoxious. Shouting down someone for speaking their opinion will not win me over to their cause.

2) Does this include produce bags? Those are way less reusable than grocery store plastic bags.

3) I'm all for using reusable bags and I frequently do, but I don't think a ban is the way to go. I'd rather see them do what Ikea or other stores have started doing and charge $.05 for a bag. It will encourage people bring their own and also allow those of us that reuse them to get bags when needed.

4) If they do this, what the hell am I going to scoop the cat poop into?

HSartteach · August 2011

Chicklit:
Thoughts:
1) Those supporters sound really obnoxious. Shouting down someone for speaking their opinion will not win me over to their cause.
2) Does this include produce bags? Those are way less reusable than grocery store plastic bags.
3) I'm all for using reusable bags and I frequently do, but I don't think a ban is the way to go. I'd rather see them do what Ikea or other stores have started doing and charge $.05 for a bag. It will encourage people bring their own and also allow those of us that reuse them to get bags when needed.
4) If they do this, what the hell am I going to scoop the cat poop into?

I agree with all these points. I had the same question, but about my dog poo, instead of cat poo.

I don't think it would tax the low-income that much to buy the bags once. Who knows, maybe some stores will have a free bag day. I have received several of my reusable bags for free. I like the idea of charging per bag used. And personally, I would rather bag my own groceries--the baggers aren't always very good--too heavy, not realizing I have a cold bag, soft fruit on the bottom...

Mainer-in-Texas · August 2011

I also like the idea of charging for the bags. Was that idea not even considered?

el_twirpo · August 2011

i'm all about the plastic bag ban - although i think an option to BUY plastic bags for the times you run out of space in the re-usable bags is acceptable. i would be a little sad about not getting a target plastic bag though. they are the perfect size for my small trash cans.

as for dog poop, we just go back to the local park every week and grab a bunch of the poopie bags there.

i tend to refuse a bag when i'm checking out. i hate when cashiers immediately put my one or two items into a bag when i can easily carry my gum and chapstick out on my own.

libbyann · August 2011

What am I supposed to do with big dog poop on 2x a day walks?? I think Germany's way of doing things [paying for the bags] is better than a ban. I'll gladly pay $0.10 a bag if it means I have something to pick up poop with.

carlinlp · August 2011

We mostly shop at Natural Grocers so it won't really affect us as their entire store is 100% bagless. You either bring your own or you use one of the small, medium or large boxes they have at the front of the store that they've recycled from food delivery. Whole Foods does paper bags and rather than charge for them, they give you a 10 cent credit per bag if you bring in a bag of your own to use.

We are also supporting the new in.gredient store that will be opening in Austin. It will be the first package free grocery store in the US and I can't wait until they open!!

Spanishbeauty · August 2011

Have y'all never used these?

I know they're a little annoying (if you're running). And not "free" but they're fairly affordable. I just attach the little dispenser right on to my dog's leash. Works great for us!

chargermama · August 2011

I just sent an email to the City Council. Apparently I'm all fired up over this - LOL

SaraLouiseBride08 · August 2011

Chicklit:

Thoughts:

1) Those supporters sound really obnoxious. Shouting down someone for speaking their opinion will not win me over to their cause.

2) Does this include produce bags? Those are way less reusable than grocery store plastic bags.

3) I'm all for using reusable bags and I frequently do, but I don't think a ban is the way to go. I'd rather see them do what Ikea or other stores have started doing and charge $.05 for a bag. It will encourage people bring their own and also allow those of us that reuse them to get bags when needed.

As usual, Chicklit says it better than I can.

I have ZERO problems with individual stores opting to either charge for plastic bags, or quit carrying plastic (and then charging for paper). I like the movement to cut back on the "single" use bags. However, banning plastic (or especially paper and plastic) bags is too much for me to swallow. The phrase, "Where does it stop?" keeps circling my brain.

Taytee · August 2011

There are just so many things that would have a bigger impact... I kind of see this as a waste of time more than anything. I'm not a fan of not having an option. Mostly because I can't remember to bring my damn bags half the time AND I don't like using them for meat because they don't wash well and contamination is a huge concern for me.

MrsAJL · August 2011

Chicklit:

Thoughts:
1) Those supporters sound really obnoxious. Shouting down someone for speaking their opinion will not win me over to their cause.
2) Does this include produce bags? Those are way less reusable than grocery store plastic bags.
3) I'm all for using reusable bags and I frequently do, but I don't think a ban is the way to go. I'd rather see them do what Ikea or other stores have started doing and charge $.05 for a bag. It will encourage people bring their own and also allow those of us that reuse them to get bags when needed.
4) If they do this, what the hell am I going to scoop the cat poop into?

Point #1 --- I totally agree

Point #2 --- use them for cat poop! That's what we do. Just be careful how you tie the knot when you're putting your produce in it. This way you can untie them easily and not rip into them, thus making them reusuable for....cat poop!

Point #3 --- this argument could be made that this too affects lower income/poor people as negatively as banning the bags.

Point #4 --- See point #2

libbyann · August 2011

Spanishbeauty:
Have y'all never used these?
I know they're a little annoying (if you're running). And not "free" but they're fairly affordable. I just attach the little dispenser right on to my dog's leash. Works great for us!

yes....but when your dog weighs 60 lbs, there's just not enough plastic between poop and hand Ick! And then to have to run for 3+ miles with a tiny bag of poop? No thanks.

MrsAJL · August 2011

I'm against a ban. I do think it harms low income residents. I think that charging for bags harms those residents more.

For many, many people planning their grocery buying is a to-the-penny affair. I would love to assume that most people have reusable bags they can bring with them shopping, but let's be realistic. Many people don't. You have to pay for them if they haven't been given to you, usually at $.99/bag or more. That can be upwards of $3-$5 you're spending just to start your reusable bag collection.

If you're using an EBT/Lonestar card, I'm fairly certain that cost of the reusable bag or the plastic bag is not covered. Additionally if you are using government assistance to pay for food and you don't have reusable bags and are charged $.05 or $.10 per plastic bag, you many not have the extra $.50 or $1.00 to cover that.

I agree with dissenter in the video on the link: put it to a vote of the citizens of Austin.

carlinlp · August 2011

I don't understand why people can't use boxes that the store would be throwing away / recycling anyway. If we forget our bags when we go to NG then we just use one of their boxes, no biggie. It holds more and is easier to pack anyway. And they are free.

ssinca · August 2011

A few cities in CA recently passed similar laws, I'm curious how its going to go over. But I'm generally for it, esp like what el_twirpo said - most baggers are very wasteful, putting two or three items in a bag. You don't need a bag for gum, its ridiculous. Yet for some reason, HEB would put 20 items in my two reusable bags, even though I would bring 5 bags. And reusable aren't expensive, they're usually $1. If stores, like WF and Target, give you .10 credit per bag, it doesn't take long to recoup the cost. I have reusable mesh produce bags too. HEB would always look at me like I was an alien with three heads when I would check out.

MrsAJL · August 2011

ssinca:
A few cities in CA recently passed similar laws, I'm curious how its going to go over. But I'm generally for it, esp like what el_twirpo said - most baggers are very wasteful, putting two or three items in a bag. You don't need a bag for gum, its ridiculous. Yet for some reason, HEB would put 20 items in my two reusable bags, even though I would bring 5 bags. And reusable aren't expensive, they're usually $1. If stores, like WF and Target, give you .10 credit per bag, it doesn't take long to recoup the cost. I have reusable mesh produce bags too. HEB would always look at me like I was an alien with three heads when I would check out.

If you are poor, these are expensive items.

libbyann · August 2011

carlinlp:
I don't understand why people can't use boxes that the store would be throwing away / recycling anyway. If we forget our bags when we go to NG then we just use one of their boxes, no biggie. It holds more and is easier to pack anyway. And they are free.

HEB has boxes available? I know Sams and Sprouts do, but I've never seen them at HEB. And that's where I do the good majority of my shopping each week.

Chicklit · August 2011

ssinca:
I have reusable mesh produce bags too. HEB would always look at me like I was an alien with three heads when I would check out.

I've been eying some of those. I like the stores that let you weigh your produce and print a label. Will they stick to / come off the bags easy or would I need to bring paper or something to stick them to?

chargermama · August 2011

carlinlp:
I don't understand why people can't use boxes that the store would be throwing away / recycling anyway. If we forget our bags when we go to NG then we just use one of their boxes, no biggie. It holds more and is easier to pack anyway. And they are free.

Can't put poop in a box.

I don't see there being enough boxes for EVERYONE who is shopping

L L CG · August 2011

carlinlp:
I don't understand why people can't use boxes that the store would be throwing away / recycling anyway. If we forget our bags when we go to NG then we just use one of their boxes, no biggie. It holds more and is easier to pack anyway. And they are free.

I'd be ok with this. We do it at Costco and it seems to be the same idea. They'd have to have them at the front like Costco and Sams does, though.

MrsAJL · August 2011

Chicklit:
ssinca:
I have reusable mesh produce bags too. HEB would always look at me like I was an alien with three heads when I would check out.
I've been eying some of those. I like the stores that let you weigh your produce and print a label. Will they stick to / come off the bags easy or would I need to bring paper or something to stick them to?

I don't bag my produce at all. I bring a piece of paper with my and stick my labels on that. It works quite well. Usually it's my shopping list (I print it out on an 8.5x11 sheet). I'm a freak, I know. But it's handy! The checker just scans each label with her/her wand scanner.

OrangeFelt · August 2011

I don't think its an awful idea, but would prefer the charging .10 over an outright ban.

While it sounds like the lower income peeps around the city (eta:not state, duh) would suffer, the business development side of me thinks retailers (HEB in particular) would give away a lot of free reusable bags at their lower demographic stores (eg, the one on oltorf and 1st). I can see the "buy a bag to donate" slips at the cash register in Westlake already, and the "reusable bag drives" that they could market. You'd soon after see competitors step up with that as well, trying to get their brand out there.

I've got no answer for the cat poop, though. Ever try those as seen on tv kitty litters that claim to turn it into dust? :P

brideonjuly8 · August 2011

Chicklit:
4) If they do this, what the hell am I going to scoop the cat poop into?

This is my biggest question too. LOL

MrsAJL · August 2011

I like the idea of bag giveaways.

Chicklit · August 2011

MrsRosie:
Is no one else concerned about kitty poo?! Wake up, people. WHERE WILL THE KITTY POO GO?

L L CG · August 2011

MrsAJL:
Chicklit:
ssinca:
I have reusable mesh produce bags too. HEB would always look at me like I was an alien with three heads when I would check out.
I've been eying some of those. I like the stores that let you weigh your produce and print a label. Will they stick to / come off the bags easy or would I need to bring paper or something to stick them to?

I don't bag my produce at all. I bring a piece of paper with my and stick my labels on that. It works quite well. Usually it's my shopping list (I print it out on an 8.5x11 sheet). I'm a freak, I know. But it's handy! The checker just scans each label with her/her wand scanner.

Your grapes are out there? All willy nilly? Loose grapes? I don't know if I can live in a world with loose grapes.

MrsAJL · August 2011

L L CG:
MrsAJL:
Chicklit:
ssinca:
I have reusable mesh produce bags too. HEB would always look at me like I was an alien with three heads when I would check out.
I've been eying some of those. I like the stores that let you weigh your produce and print a label. Will they stick to / come off the bags easy or would I need to bring paper or something to stick them to?

I don't bag my produce at all. I bring a piece of paper with my and stick my labels on that. It works quite well. Usually it's my shopping list (I print it out on an 8.5x11 sheet). I'm a freak, I know. But it's handy! The checker just scans each label with her/her wand scanner.
Your grapes are out there? All willy nilly? Loose grapes? I don't know if I can live in a world with loose grapes.

Yep. Just rolling around the cart. I usually end up with a quarter of what I intended.

I buy grapes at Costco. They come in a plastic box.

carlinlp · August 2011

Libby, I was talking about Natural Grocers, not HEB

Natural Grocers is a busy place and they always have more than enough boxes bc a lot of people bring in reusable bags too. They keep them in a large bin at the front of the store.

We don't use produce bags either. It just felt like a waste after awhile. I just throw the produce I need in my cart and call it a day, no biggie. I've yet to have anything get squished believe it or not.

Mainer-in-Texas · August 2011

MrsAJL:
Chicklit:
ssinca:
I have reusable mesh produce bags too. HEB would always look at me like I was an alien with three heads when I would check out.
I've been eying some of those. I like the stores that let you weigh your produce and print a label. Will they stick to / come off the bags easy or would I need to bring paper or something to stick them to?

I don't bag my produce at all. I bring a piece of paper with my and stick my labels on that. It works quite well. Usually it's my shopping list (I print it out on an 8.5x11 sheet). I'm a freak, I know. But it's handy! The checker just scans each label with her/her wand scanner.

I love this idea. I think I am going to start doing it.

MrsAJL · August 2011

MrsRosie:
MrsAJL:

I don't bag my produce at all. I bring a piece of paper with my and stick my labels on that. It works quite well. Usually it's my shopping list (I print it out on an 8.5x11 sheet). I'm a freak, I know. But it's handy! The checker just scans each label with her/her wand scanner.

Labels?

Produce labels? Weight your produce, print out the label, stick it on the piece of paper, but your produce, unbagged into the cart.

libbyann · August 2011

carlinlp:
Libby, I was talking about Natural Grocers, not HEB

Oh, okay. Sorry, I was confused!

ssinca · August 2011

Chicklit:
ssinca:
I have reusable mesh produce bags too. HEB would always look at me like I was an alien with three heads when I would check out.
I've been eying some of those. I like the stores that let you weigh your produce and print a label. Will they stick to / come off the bags easy or would I need to bring paper or something to stick them to?

yep, the tags stick no prob. I bought them on amazon and can link if you want. On my phone right now so a bit difficult but let me know and I'll do it later.

ssinca · August 2011

MrsAJL:
ssinca:
A few cities in CA recently passed similar laws, I'm curious how its going to go over. But I'm generally for it, esp like what el_twirpo said - most baggers are very wasteful, putting two or three items in a bag. You don't need a bag for gum, its ridiculous. Yet for some reason, HEB would put 20 items in my two reusable bags, even though I would bring 5 bags. And reusable aren't expensive, they're usually $1. If stores, like WF and Target, give you .10 credit per bag, it doesn't take long to recoup the cost. I have reusable mesh produce bags too. HEB would always look at me like I was an alien with three heads when I would check out.
If you are poor, these are expensive items.

but if you shop at stores where you get .10 a bag back, you eventually come out ahead.

m_and_m · August 2011

ssinca:
MrsAJL:
ssinca:
And reusable aren't expensive, they're usually $1. If stores, like WF and Target, give you .10 credit per bag, it doesn't take long to recoup the cost.
If you are poor, these are expensive items.
but if you shop at stores where you get .10 a bag back, you eventually come out ahead.

If you are poor, you probably aren't shopping at WF or Target for your groceries....

Spanishbeauty · August 2011

Mainer-in-Texas:
MrsAJL:
Chicklit:
ssinca:
I have reusable mesh produce bags too. HEB would always look at me like I was an alien with three heads when I would check out.
I've been eying some of those. I like the stores that let you weigh your produce and print a label. Will they stick to / come off the bags easy or would I need to bring paper or something to stick them to?

I don't bag my produce at all. I bring a piece of paper with my and stick my labels on that. It works quite well. Usually it's my shopping list (I print it out on an 8.5x11 sheet). I'm a freak, I know. But it's handy! The checker just scans each label with her/her wand scanner.
I love this idea. I think I am going to start doing it.

Ditto! I was trying to find a way to use one resusable bag for all my produce, but didn't want to make it a pain for the checker. Looks like I'll be doing this from now on. Genius.

Rosie, I believe that only the HEB's that have self-check out have the weight and print labels.

Want a personalized experience?

yay! Possible plastic bag ban!

Re: yay! Possible plastic bag ban!

Choose Another Board

Search Boards