Why don't we use re-usable grocery bags like people in Europe do? It's so much better for the environment

Question

People in Europe use fabric bags to bag their groceries. They bring the bags with them to the store, put in their items when they are done shopping and leave the store so that they can do the same thing the next time they shop with the same bags! They are so INCREDIBLY SMART. Why has America not caught on to this. Here we are wasting precious money AND plastic(not good for the environment) while they save in more ways than one.

Answer 1

I do agree with you. People do this, because they are used to it, don't know better, for convenience, because its easily accessible, has been passed on for a couple of generations.

But chin up! I have been noticing slight changes in the past year, or so. It is all of the sudden hip, to have a designer grocery bag. I do see them advertised in magazines quite a bit. Some stores are starting to give you a five cent rebate, if you bring your own bag. Grocery stores start selling reusable bags. I have been noticing, a few in the crowed bringing their own bags, and baskets.

My suggestion is for all, whom care for our environment to keep bringing your own bags. It will catch on, the more and more people will be seen with it, the more want to do this to.

Answer 2

Some of us do put our groceries in re-usable bags. I found ones at IKEA, of all places, for 49¢ US. Granted, they are large and made of bright blue tarp with metal eyelets, but I am not fashion-conscious.

When I show up at the checkout counter and place my groceries in the bag, the people behind me in line invariably ask where I got the "neat bag". Once they know, they often say "good idea... I'm going to get some, too."

Green ideas... teach by example.

Answer 3

AWARENESS ABOUT ENVIRONMENT B,RINGS THIS CHANGE. AS SOON AS THE PEOPLE OF OTHER PART OF THE WORLD GET AWARENESS THEY WILL ADOPT THE SAME METHOD

Answer 4

because we don`t half too, we can make plenty

Answer 5

fabric bags have been around for years also some chains even have plastic totes and the shopping carts are specifically designed for them.To be really IN buy hemp fibre bags or like me I use a NEWSPAPER replica bag slings over the shoulder has a cover flap and much easier to carry heavier or larger loads of groceries or anything else that will fit into it.

Answer 6

I use reusable bags whenever I remember to bring them to the store.  I think in some places in Europe, they charge for plastic bags, so most people bring their own.  So if they did this in the US, more people would use reusable canvas bags.

You can get your own canvas bags at most stores for a dollar.

Answer 7

Who can resist accepting 'free' grocery bags.

We have chains of supermarkets now who give us a rebate of 5 cents each time we bring our fabric bags back. This is to make it more attractive to skip the free plastic bags. They sell a good fabric bag for a buck that lasts for years, easily recovers its cost each year.

Answer 8

The US is such a better place to live, Europe needs to learn from us. We switched from paper bags to plastic to "save the environment".

Answer 9

Go to Shaws or Trucchi's if you have one. They sell them.

Answer 10

i'm glad you're doing your share to help the environment. i think major shops are catching up already. they even have rebates everytime you shop with your own canvas bag. happy shopping :)

Answer 11

Because we as US Americans are the

laziest biyotches on the planet.

Answer 12

WE are starting to do that, if there is a publix, walmart near you i am positive they have started this. I believe it is a brilliant idea because it cuts down on our plastic use and prevents some of our landfill trash, plus it helps the environment.

Answer 13

I do use canvas grocery bags..and so do many other Americans.  Many stores sell them.  Do you have any Trader Joes, or Whole Foods...they carry them there.  Or order them from the internet...see below.  I really like the "net" style bags..they expand and carry a lot.

http://www.reusablebags.com/store/shoppi...