to think that Morrisons paper bags are a bad idea?

[brizzledrizzle]

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47022534

They are going to charge more for them than for a plastic bag and they cost more in terms on CO2 emissions and energy to make them but decompose quicker. I can't see many people paying more for a paper bag really.

I prefer them because they are not going to end up in the ocean stuffing turtles etc but I'm not convinced that they are good idea from the CO2 and energy perspective and think people won't buy them because they cost more.

I think there is no one answer to this kind of issue so steps, even small ones are welcome. I noticed that Morrison's were using paper bags for the home delivery when I was in the other day which was great but agree with the other poster about their prepackaged fruit and veg being so much cheaper - apples being a particular bugbear for me, so I have commented to them and let's see if they can add to their steps in the right direction. The more people who say something the more likely they are to do something.
I rarely use their paper bags for fruit and veg as I have small drawstring bags for this which I take every week but again I think they have taken a step in the right direction, further steps would be welcome though.

I think it's important to remember that lots of people taking small steps does eventually make a difference and is much more likely to effect real change than waiting for that single big answer to the problem which may never come. Don't think about the things you can't change (Chinese power stations, industrial pollution) but think about the small ones that you can do with little or no effort. This may lead to a realisation that slightly bigger changes in your lifestyle won't be as onerous as they first seem.... and you can build on your effect from there.

Sorry for that ramble I was talking to my MIL about this the other day so it's on my mind atm.

Everything should be sold loose again not makes it easier to budget in the end and reduces waste.

If I only want 2 apples and have to buy a pack of six I end up throwing some away. I’ve found it much cheaper using a grocer because I don’t have to buy big multi packs of fruit and veg.

Plastic wrapped broccoli drives me demented.

And cotton string bags are awesome.

The paper bags would have to be really good with handles though.
In all these American films you have someone balancing two massive bags on their hip while trying to get their keys.
(Then half their oranges fall out roll away, someone picks them up and they fall in love)

Primark bags are ok, they do rip sometimes so not for heavy things but they make good shreddings for pet bedding .

I would.

Asia in general is the worst of worst for plastic bags.
No matter what you buy a bag it comes with and you get the worst look on earth if say you don’t want it.
And on top of that because they will have already put your goods in a bag they will bin said bag if you say you don’t want it as it’s no longer new for the next customer.
Try and educate that out of people

I can recommend the unbleached cotton bags from Thecleverbaggers website. They cost about 60p each and mine are still going strong after eight years of carrying heavy supermarket shopping every week. They go through the washing machine and come out like new.
I’m just wary of recommending them out loud in real life, as I’m perilously inclined to call them The Clever Buggers instead!

Paper bags are a nuisance. You can get a nasty cut from them, they are bulky to store, and if they get even a bit damp or worn they can collapse suddenly, spilling your shopping everywhere. Don’t get me wrong: I support the plastic bag ban, but paper is not the answer.