I’ve just got to go on a bit on how silly it seems to get a few pennies credit for using a reusable bag at the grocery store. I mean where did this come from? I use fabric shopping bags (as long as I don’t forget them at home) because I would like to feel I’m making some positive difference by sparing a few paper or plastic bags. Having a grocery store offer my 3-5 cents per bag for doing so makes absolutely no sense to me.

I seriously doubt there are many (if any) individuals saying to themselves, “Hey, I almost forgot, the grocery store will give me a few cents to use my own bag; I better go buy one.” So, I’ve been thinking it would be great if someone came up with an alternative incentive.  I understand it probably couldn’t cost anymore than the credit that’s already being given but what if that money had purpose? People might be motivated to use shopping totes if each time they used one 3-5 cents went toward:

• fundraising for local schools
• education about sustainability
• local charities
• local foodbanks
• store discounts

That’s my thought for the day. I’m completely open to more suggestions.