to really resent paying for plastic bags for food

[mumsfretter]

I am probably BU.

I just think that M&S charging for plastic bags for food (not clothes) is utterly ridiculous. I usually use my bag for life but occasionally need to run in for some items on my way home from somewhere. On these occasions I need a plastic bag (which I would use again) and resent paying for it. If I was buying a pair of socks on the other side of the store I would get a free one but for food I don't. And don't get me started on how much packaging they use themselves, so it's hardly a green thing.

I realise there are more important things to get annoyed about but AIBU to resent paying for plastic bags.

[snuffaluffagus]

I think it's a great idea and all shops here should adopt it.

[EnglishGirlApproximately]

The point of it is to get you to reuse. I'd like to see all shops charging for bags same as in Wales.

[CwtchesAndCuddles]

Move to Wales and you will have to pay for bags for everything! You get used to it and soon remember to carry a bag with you!

It feels odd to be given a bag when I'm in England.

[MrsKeithRichards]

In Wales, if you go to topshop or dotty p's or office or anywhere like that, do you still have to pay for a bag?

[ScreamingManAndGoryOn]

Don't see its unreasonable. Charging is pretty much the only way people won't take a bag.

[Paiviaso]

It's negative reinforcement to stop you using them. You have other options. Keep bags in your car. If you aren't using a car, keep one or two scrunched up in a pocket in your purse.

I've just carried things home in arms before as I refuse to get more plastic bags (we seem to acquire loads, I save them all).

[mumsfretter]

But it seems ridiculous when you have heavy food shopping you get no bag and when you buy a pair if socks you get a robust plastic bag! Why?

[EnglishGirlApproximately]

mrskeith yes its every shop in Wales now.

[halloweeneyqueeney]

YABU, on the occassions when I forget to bring bags, the one I buy will be reused anyway so it's not like a once off charge. M&S don't charge for the small bags that they put meat or leaky products in so it's fair enough. You could always pack straight back into your trolly then straight into your car, M&S will even take your trolly to your car for you! what more do you want?

[sleepyhead]

You're right, but the answer is not for them to stop charging for the food bags, but to start charging for the clothes bags.

[SoupDragon]

Yes, it is ridiculous you get a bag for socks but not for food. They should start charging for all the bags though, not give them for free.

[halloweeneyqueeney]

what sleepyhead said!

[Softlysoftly]

Mrs Keith yes every bag everywhere, you are even charged a statutory "bag charge" on home delivery, though they often come in crates. And if you get a takeaway, McDonald's anything if you want a bag paper or plastic it's charged.

I like our local shop, they legally have I charge but they just ask you to put 5-10p in the charity box instead of taking the money. Not sure if it's legal though!

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

Will nobody think of the planet!!!!

[fluffyraggies]

I don't know the figures but i assume the 'paying for plastic bags' policy is having a positive environmental impact.

Never thought about the free bags for clothes but pay for bags for food thing.

Perhaps we should pay for all bags given out!

I only ever think to use my canvas Tesco bags IN Tesco, but if i'm out shopping around town i wont take a bag from every shop. I bung my purchases in with all the others in the first bag i was given, if i can. If that makes sense!

[Feminine]

I have a tiny memory of having to pay for carriers in Sainsbury's during the 80's

Much stronger plastic , I think ?

[RandallPinkFloyd]

Afraid YABU. The rate at which we use and dispose of plastic bags is simply unsustainable.

Definitely agree that we have the right idea in Wales. I thought it was a ridiculous idea when it was first suggested but it's amazing how quickly everyone has got used to it.

It's like any habit, once you've done it a few times you don't think about it anymore.

Just get one of the tiny fold-up handbag sized ones and keep it in your bag. Keep the rest of your bags in the boot of the car for big shops. It's what everyone I know does.

[NerdAmigo]

yabu. How easy is to keep a bag for life in your handbag?

[freddiefrog]

I have a stash of canvas bags and bags for life so generally don't use plastic bags in shops

I have no problem paying for them, but they need to be much stronger than they are now so they can be used again and again, rather than the ones that split if you look at them.

[cinnamonnut]

YABU.

I volunteer in a charity shop and someone got all arsey with me about the 2p for a plastic bag. We have to buy them for 5p each so we're already making a loss on them anyway.

People don't seem to care about the environmental impact.

[Bubblemoon]

YABU. You only need a plastic bag because you couldn't be arsed to remember to take one with you. You makes your choice, you gotta pay your money. We can all take a bag out with us and nobody needs to be given one whether it's for socks or sprouts.

[halloweeneyqueeney]

IMO its like the smoking ban, before it happened there were people who couldn't imagine how it would be practicible, and now even heavy smokers couldn't imagine lighting up inside a restaurant!

be the same if all free plastic bags were banned, some people can't imagine change till it's happened

[stillsmilingafteralltheseyears]

YABU and melodramatic, if it bothers you just keep a spare carrier bag in your handbag.

[halloweeneyqueeney]

"but they need to be much stronger than they are now so they can be used again and again, rather than the ones that split if you look at them"

I guess it's a toss up between making them as boidegradable as possible, and making them reusable?

[squeakytoy]

I object to buying plastic bags which advertise the shop.