AIBU to wonder why some people still buy new carrier bags every time they visit a shop?

[Beon]

It’s 10.5 years since the bag charge in England was introduced and longer in other parts of UK.

So why are some people still don’t go to the supermarket without bags? They are 40p each.

If a family buys an average 8 bags a week - supermarket, shops like Poundland. Over a year that’s at least £160 a year.

Anyone who uses brand new carrier bags for bin bags must have more money than sense. Bin bags are cheaper - per bag, bigger and ties up better.

The bag charge - kids at primary schools never lived through a time with free bags.

Its time thinking - money, phone, keys, bags

I hate it when I forget my bags because I've got so many reusable ones at home already, so even though its only 40p, as you say, it does add up and plus I just don't need them. But occasionally, it does happen. Is anybody really buying all new ones for every shop these days? If they are, money must not be a worry, or perhaps they are giving themselves a 5 finger discount and so aren't too bothered about the 40p charge? I do know people who say they never pay for bags, because they think shops should just provide them and so never scan them, but whether this is just bravado, who knows?

I would give him a visualisation of how much he's wasting on buying bags. My friend did that for DH as he usually bought lunch when in the office and then some days after work, popped into B&M etc to buy energy drinks etc - buying bags.

My friend pulled him up 6 months later and gave him the sum of the bags bought. It was £75. She broke it down into you could have bought a tank of fuel or X days parking when goes to the office (there is no staff car park) etc

This is a stealth boast

I have ADHD I look at the bag I need to take, plan to take it. Then forget . Then buy five more 😂🙈 I can’t explain it. I do use those bags for other things though and get really mad when I run out!

This made me laugh. As somebody who bothered to take my batteries to the supermarket today (they have a big clear recycling bin, AND remembered my bags), but then walked out of the shop and drove home with the batteries still in my handbag. Annoying!

I always ask for a bag when I buy clothes. I don’t want my lovely new garment in a bag that’s held countless grocery shops. The nice shops don’t charge you for a paper carrier anyway because they’re not obliged to.

You are assuming every person in the country plans their food, or any other shopping, and has the time and head space to think to themselves that they must in fact take empty bags with them. This is a luxury many busy people don’t have the privilege of. I never know when I’m going to manage to squeeze a supermarket shop into my week. I keep empty bags in my car. Sometimes though, I forgot to put them back into my car for the next time. Then I end up buying more. I’m not losing any sleep over it. And neither should you.

i do wonder how these people in the thread cope in certain countries where you only can buy the heavy duty bags

Which countries? They’re not countries I’m likely to visit.

Im often a bit of a fart in a trance and make this mistake all the time embarrisingly

And how did he react to being treated like a child?

ADHD

I have to buy because I never ever remember to take my old ones in

Exactly

Why would I do that? He’s a grown man.

sound suspiciously parent child, the little woman taking on a job to benefit the dozy man.

Because I have memory problems

Honestly, because I can't be fucked to remember one. The majority of the bags here can be used in food waste bins so they get used

I totally agree with you. The whole reason bag charge was introduced is to get people to be more environmentally conscious and use reusable bags. But it seems that the charges don't matter anymore, since most people don't care. I know many shops do paper bags now, which aren't sturdy anyway. I don't see why it's so hard to remember to carry reusable bags when going on shopping trips. The foldable ones easily fit in a handbag or workbag.
Occasionally forgetting to take one or spontaneous shopping- ok that might be a reason. But I have seen so many who have planned shopping trips and then 5-6 bags from various brands, rather than reusable ones. It would be nice if people are more responsible in this aspect.

Well I’m just scrolling between sets in the gym and this thread has reminded me I will have to pay for a bag when I run into Lidl when I’m done because in remembering all my gym stuff I forgot a carrier bag!

i keep them in the car
i fill them with shopping
now they are in the house
i need to remember to put them back in the car

but i feel I am better able to manage due to be 60!
i think younger generation are the most guilty of buying new bags every time.

Although there are people who seem to buy loads, it has been effective in reducing plastic bag numbers.

I wish there was some simple measure that could ensure most people did not forget appointments, or turned up for work meetings on time.

Because they have not got into the habit of emptying their bag and going back out to stick it back in the boot so when they get to the shop they have one.

Because they forget to bring one.

Because they are arses who just don't care.

But how would you even notice that your colleagues have a new bag every time? Do you always check when they come back from lunch? How bizarre.

I wouldn’t notice but if even if I did I would probably think they may be using the one they had new last time.

I do it occasionally if I didn’t expect to go to the shop or I have too much stuff to fit in my bag.

But of all the things that people take notice of, this is odd!

Pretty sure most people just forget now and again. How many of us hand on heart can say we have never forgotten? I don't know anyone who 'never' uses refuseable bags.

This is me. I just see it as the cost of doing business. I don’t do the weekly shop in person and I’m not carrying massive bags about with me when all I really need is my phone and keys in case I decide I might want to grab something from a shop later. It’s at most a bag a week though. 8 a week is mad, I don’t know anyone that shops that much in person.