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Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Do You Need A Bag

This blog has been lacking again for awhile. I did not go away, just been busy – again.

One of the things most noticeable in this part of Canada (Nova Scotia), is that in the interest of being environmentally friendly, one major grocery chain has started charging five cents each for plastic bags.

Another resourceful electronics chain began following the same procedure, asking if you want a bag. If you do, you are out another five cents.

I wouldn’t have a problem with all this if I thought it was helping our environment to a worthwhile degree. As I am being asked, “Do you want a bag sir?” I tend to look around at the nearest displays and see all the goods and products displayed in heavy blister pack packages, that you can’t even open without several swear words when you get home.

Will there be juggler courses available? This procedure does provide some entertainment value as I watch consumers revolt against the five cent charge per plastic bag. People leaving with an arm load of groceries balanced on the two inch forearm to elbow track.

Can I check your receipt please? I don’t know about you, but it sure makes me feel funny to walk out of a store with loose goods in my hand and a tiny faded receipt. Kind of makes you feel those door guards have a real purpose even though I would give them a hard time if they wanted to see my receipt. (If you want a little fun carry an out dated receipt in your pocket for special occasions – wink, wink.)

Cash register line ups longer than an uphill walk – First we had to wait while the person in front had to unload their groceries with one arm while talking on the cell phone. Then wait while they sort through and try seventeen credit cards until they find one that works. (Why are they like keys, it is always the last one that works?) They say things come in three’s, so here it is. Now we wait longer while they decide if they wish to purchase a bag.

The aim is to promote the use of recyclable bags – That’s fine, but is slows us even more. Ever watch the customer trying to convince the poor cashier that more can fit in those stupid cloth bags? Better yet, if they pack it themselves you have an onion bowling alley just outside the door.

If the process was a benefit I wouldn’t have a problem with it. There are so many other things containing plastic that could be eliminated from our lives, plastic shopping bags are a drop in the bucket.

Do You Need A Bag? – of course I do. Where else am I going to put the cat nuggets?

-=One Day At A Time=-