SunCorp

Want to get in on the latest trend? Then start saying no to the plastic bag. Don’t think you can? Here are a few tips on how to turn down the plastic bag at the register.

Bring your own. It makes it easier to say no to the bag when you have another to put things in. A small canvas bag works for most on the go purchases and can be found just about every where, in all sorts of colors. If you want to support a cause with your bag, your local public library, public radio station, or your favorite organization may have canvas bags for sale with their logo, check out our range of canvas bags at http://www.flickr.com/photos/suncorp

For larger quantity purchases such as a trip to the grocery store you’ll probably need larger bags and a few more of them. Many grocery stores have cloth shopping bags available for purchase at the register. Whole Foods has some available right now for $1 each, and they also offer a bag discount, giving you a ten-cents off for each bag you bring. Trader Joes is another location that offers reusable bags on the go. (This is also handy if you forget your bags.)

Bringing your own will also prepare you for those times you go into establishments that charge you for plastic bags. Ikea, for example, has recently started charging U.S. customers five cents for every bag used. Of course this isn’t new to those in Europe, where several countries have been charging customers for bags for a while.

Remember to bring your own. It’s one thing to own the reusable bag, it’s another thing altogether in remembering to bring it with you. Many bags can fold up fairly small and can fit in a pocket or purse. Keep your bags in your car so they’ll be handy for the next trip to the store, or keep them at the office if you pick things up on the way home or use public transportation. The most important thing here is once your goods have made it safely to the house, take the bags back out to the car or return them to the office for next time.

Ignore the confused looks and blank stares. Until this new trend catches on everywhere, you’ll probably get some resistance from store clerks when you say you don’t want a bag. You may also need to assist grocery store checkers/baggers with your bags until they get used to the concept. And remember, it is okay to say no even after the clerk bags your item. Politely remove your purchase and hand the bag back.

Can’t find any bags near you? Check out our product images at http://www.flickr.com/photos/suncorp