Earlier this week a survey in a USA Today snapshot poll showed some interesting statistics. Readers were asked how often they “Bring Their Own Bag” to the grocery store. Here are the results:
10% Always
19% Frequently
32% Occasionally
That leaves almost 40% who NEVER bring their own bag. It makes you wonder — will the mainstream public ever catch on the Bring You Own Bag movement?
As we are educated about the problems with global warming and our dependence on fossil fuels — we becoming more aware of our countries tendency toward over-consumption. This over-consumption means more factories producing more and more products, which produces more and more pollution. While it’s hard to convince American’s to ‘want less’ — there are many things we consume that are actually easy to give up.
The biggest complaint I hear about bringing your own bag is remembering to bring the bag to the store. Some people convince themselves that they’ll never be able to get in the habit, and simply leave it at that.
More than 10 years ago I started bringing my own bag, and it actually had very little to do with the environment. I found myself recovering from major hip surgery with two stumbling toddlers in tow. I needed a safe and efficient way to get my groceries into the house without having to ask for help. I had several cotton tote bags hanging around the house, so I decided to try those instead of the slippery plastic bags. I quickly learned that I could sling a reusable bag over my shoulder, while holding a cane in one hand and a small child’s hand in the other.
I’ll admit, it took a while to get in the habit, but eventually it stuck. After forming a habit at the grocery store, I decided it was time to eliminate some of the other plastic bags in my life. I now tote around a tiny reusable folding nylon bag which fits easily in my purse. Cashiers are taken aback at places like Old Navy, or Rite Aid, or the mall — but they are always pleasantly surprised. In the event that I do forget my bags, I’ll put things in my purse or carry them out without a bag, or just put them back in my carriage. I may or may not bag them up when I get back to the house. The habit has become so engrained in my consciousness that I can’t bear the thought of taking home another plastic bag.
If you’re one of the 4 in 10 who have never brought your own bag or if you just occasionally bring your own bag, just take it one step at a time. If you’re the minority who does bring your own bags, tell us how YOU got in the habit!
“Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time.” — Mark Twain
