As soon as we came up to Canada, I noticed the “green” bags at the front of stores. You know the re-usable sort that cost you a buck each and are supposed to replace the seemingly self-replicating plastic film versions.

My first thought centered on – Hey, how great that everyone is on board for reducing waste and preserving the earth. This was even reinforced by the products for sale – biodegradable dish soap, laundry soap, and all purpose cleaner next to paper towels and toilet tissue made from 100% recycled materials.

But then I noticed that all the greenies weren’t the same. And that this chain of food stores had one style, this line of pharmacies another. In all, I’ve probably seen almost ten different versions!

Ah, so the truth is revealed. As always, the fad has less to do with altruism and much more to do with marketing.

Does that mean someone is going to stop me from going into Sobey’s if I’m carrying the Shoppers Drug Mart bag? Or not let me into Wal-mart carrying the Canadian Tire tote?

That would make it pretty rough on green impulse shopping, don’t you think? So probably the answer is no, they’ll let me in and pray that I’ve worn my current greenie out just as I walk into their store.

These non-retail affiliated bags caught my eye when I saw them, but I finally broke down and bought a pair from my local grocery. I have been here all month, shopping every grocery in town to find my favorite. Silly me, the best and cheapest is actually the one closest to me and so earned my coveted two dollars!

Just wondering, do you use these and how do you get in the habit of taking them with you?

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