Commissary patrons can conveniently recycle their used plastic grocery bags.
Ban plastic bags? Can the Defense Commissary Agency or DeCA really do that? Why would they want to ban plastic grocery bags?
Well, in California, state lawmakers just passed a plastic-bag-ban bill. If the bill is signed it will ban grocery stores from providing the bags to its customers.
The reason a bill like this was passed is to help out the environment. It is probably pretty obvious that there are a lot of plastic bags being taken home by grocery shoppers. Some of them are probably reused for another purpose. I know we like to reuse the ones we get for things like taking snacks or toys to the park to throwing away diapers or other types of mess. They work great to keep in your car and to have on hand if you have small children that might have an accident. There are many ways to reuse the plastic bags but does that make a difference?
According to the Earth Policy Institute, people use 1 trillion plastic bags a year and the average use length was just 12 minutes. Even though some of us reuse them I would assume that the majority of those bags go right into the trash. This can be a big issue as they are not good for the environment. They can take a very long time to decompose (anywhere from 15 to 1,000 years) as well as hurting animals who get stuck in them or who try to eat them.
Wouldn’t it be better to get rid of plastic bags altogether? What if the commissary decided to ban plastic bags? Would it bother you?
We spent 4 years in Germany and the German stores are very different from American ones. Everyone brings their own bags. Some places do allow you to purchase a plastic bag for anywhere from $.10 to $1. Most of these bags are stronger than what you can find in the states and although they are plastic, you can reuse them a few times. Whenever I went to the German stores I either brought a bag or bought one. However, I never did my big shopping there. I usually only bought 1 bag full anyway.
Since 2008, DeCA has been working to reduce the use of paper and plastic bags through its environmental management program. As part of that program, baggers are asked to not double-bag unless a patron specifically requests it and the commissaries sell their own green reusable grocery bags. Patrons can also recycle their plastic bags by returning them to collection bins at commissaries stateside.
Paper, plastic or cloth? What bags do you use when shopping at your military commissary?
If there was a plastic bag ban then people would either need to be OK with paper or bring their reusable grocery bags. This might not be an issue for some although for others it might complicate things. It would be a change and one we would all have to get used to.
If banning plastic bags can help save the environment, it is probably a good thing to do, even at the commissary. If it isn’t going to happen now, it will happen in the future. It is a good idea that most of us get used to bringing our own bags to the store.
Wouldn’t bother me at all. I bought reusable bags that support breast cancer research so I use them when I go. I hated having piles of plastic bags in our garage.
Amber,
I agree with you. I always use reusable cloth bags.
My vote is cloth. Whatever you support. I use those family reunion bags every family seems to be addicted to.
Yes, dispense with the plastic and continue with paper and/or use the patron’s own canvas bag(s)…..However, the plastic CAN be recycled at any Giant Eagle……….SO, what’s the best for the Commissary?
Eliminate All plastic Bags ASAP -Much Thanks & God bless “Whomever”suggested this Action
If you’ve got piles of plastic bags why don’t you take them to almost any grocery store where they can be recycled. I use mine to line trash containers and the excess are recycled. Since I can’t reuse my paper bags at the commissary, I put them in the recycle container along with books, cans, plastic containers, etc. which are picked up weekly by Waste Management.
I use canvas bags but, I still need plastic bags for garbage and storage. Here, where I live near Ft. Hunter Liggett (CA) a plastic bag left unattended outside will start to decompose in about 96hrs. After 30 days there’s not much of a trace left of it. The only place left to get plastic bags IS at the commissary in CA anyway.
That’s fine with me as well. I always take my cloth bags.
The plastic bags I collect occasionally is when I run low on poop bags for the hound!
I am old and the paper bags are to heavy for me so ple4aqse keep them for thev ones who need them
I reuse the plastic bags I get from the commissary. I try to bring my own when I remember them.
The commissary should have paper with paper handles now as an option and when plastic totally goes away bc it will eventually. I would bring my own bags but sometimes you just dont have enough or handles break, etc. Need paper on hand.
That’s fine with me as well. I usually bring my cloth bags, but when I forget I either recycle my plastic bags or use them as trash can liners. Most of my trips to the commissary are quick stops anyway for one or two times which I could hand carry.
(I always remember my cloth bags and coupons when I’m going on a real shopping trip!)
45% increase of food born illness resulting in 6 deaths from San Fransicko’s bag ban. I am not going to be FORCED by Governor Moonbeam to carry germ ridden cloth bags that require constant washing and if U.S. military bases FORCE us to do so, DECCA better remove the ridiculous 4% surcharge on every grocery order while they’re at it. No all we’re going to do is repeal this monster by referendum and tell the liberals who want to CONTROL other peoples live to shove it where the sun does not shine.
It’s 5 percent.
I use cloth bags unless I need more plastic (I use them for pet clean ups). However I’d love to see that surcharge go away. I do most of my shopping elsewhere because grocery items are not taxed in CA and I can get most of what I buy cheaper at Costco and not pay an additional fee.
I usually ask for paper bags. The problem is they still double bag everything, paper or plastic. And some bags only have 1-2 things in them. Lots of waste.
The commissary at Luke AFB doubles plastic and paper bags. So much waste!
I don’t like plastic bags. Poor use of oil, and you wind up with too many and the groceries still roll around the trunk. My commissary requires that I request paper — they don’t ask which you prefer, and the default is plastic. I don’t need my bags doubled-bagged, but when filled well, you use less resources with paper. After hearing about germy cloth bags, I’ll skip those, too,.
Although I usually bring my own bags, I also use the paper ones for my paper recycling and the plastic ones for my scooped cat litter (the rest get recycled). If the plastic bags go away, I’ll be forced to use something else to hold “juicy” stuff… Maybe an option to purchase a waterproof biodegradable bag would be feasible.
I agree with everything everybody says BUT I figure the folk who know they have an unpopular opinion don’t bother to comment. That said, let me say I prefer plastic bags, they are so much easier to handle loading and unloading the car. They are also useful for so many things you have to do around the house. That said, let me quickly and strongly add, I recycle like a fiend, everything that can be recycled especially plastic bags. I get on a lot of people’s nerves with my recycling.
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I agree, plastic bags are so much easier to handle for an “old lady” and I use them around the house or recycle them. When paper bags are used they are loaded so heavy I can’t unload them.
And the cloth bags only collect germs.
I personally do not like paper bags…they attract bugs…so, I favor the plastic…but the Commisary will do what it wants, and not listen to us…
I agree! I like plastic bags, the paper ones I have gotten in the past usually rip/tear before I can get them in the house. I reuse the ones I get either for cleaning up after my dogs or recycle the unused ones at the commissary. And our commissary won’t double bag anything even if you request it!
I always use my cloth bags for big shopping. Germs shouldn’t be a problem unless you are putting unwrapped food into your shopping bag. (Yech!). I would like to have the option of paper bags though in case I don’t bring enough cloth bags.
I bring reusable bags most of the time. A charge for bags would be ok with me.
I always ask for paper bags and would agree to bring them back and use them over and over again.
Yes, ban plastic bags…
I use paper bags (singles) which have many uses plus they hold a lot more than plastic and if I get too many they go into recycling bin. I live over 1 hr. drive from Commissary in hot climate and paper keeps items cooler longer than plastic (if packed correctly they fit snugger). . Also baggers will not tie the handles together no matter how many times I tell them too and the groceries are out of the bags and rolling around the back of my vehicle and when I open the rear door I’ve had jars fall out and break. Cloth bags carry all kinds of germs and you need to wash them which means using more precious water and electricity or gas to dry.
We use plastic & then turn them in for salvage.
Get rid of the plastic. I request paper and reuse them as long as possible. I also use my own cloth and heavy duty plastic bags.
I have been shopping at our commissary for 29 years and have been using breast cancer reusable bags. Not a problem bringing them back to reuse. Folks just too lazy.
I like my reusable bags, it will save the Commissary some money not buying plastic bags so go for it.
Wouldn’t bother me at all. I have already made my own cloth bags and yes, I do remember to bring them!!
I am ok with it. I use reusable bags. Baggers need to understand the correct process when bagging groceries, this would help eliminate the amount of bags used. There are times I receive plastic or paper bags with one or two items in them that could have been combined.
It would be great if the commissary sold better reusable bags, mine keep ripping and the cold item bags always seem to have zipper issues.
After living Germany I use my own reusable bags
If I had the choice, I’d sometimes use paper with handles (which the commissary doesn’t carry right now) and sometimes use plastic. I usually have few enough items to go through the self-check, and one of the benefits is that I only use 3 or 4 bags total (single-bagged and full)…which not only saves plastic, but makes it a heck of a lot easier to carry into the condo and up the stairs. Plus, I use the plastic bags for other things.
When I occasionally buy more items and have to go through regular checkout, it’s ridiculous, they put two or three items in each bag and double-bag everything. With that huge quantity of bags, I immediately recycle most of them.
I’d be up for paper, but the commissary’s paper bags are super thin and flimsy. I use them to bag recyclables at home and they often split or tear. Also, they don’t have handles…a non-starter for carrying bags across the parking lot and up the stairs to my place.
I stocked up on reusable green commissary bags a few years back, after getting back from an OCONUS tour, but they’ve mostly gone out of rotation. They are pretty flimsy, don’t hold much, and are a pain to cart around and use in the self-checkout (you have to adjust the scales). I have a couple of sturdy, spacious cloth reusable bags that I use when walking to the farmer’s market or the local store.
I think it would be great if the commissary let you scan and bag your items as you got them off the shelf…and had special carts that allowed you to put cloth bags in them (that would hold open the bags). That would be super convenient and sustainable as well.
I try to remember my cloth bags wherever I go; I do not live in MD but when visiting none of the stores give free bags; either bag for a bag, bring your own or walk out with whatever in your arms.
It is a good idea to do away of plastic bags, I’ve been using my cloth (green) bags for for several years.
we always bring in our cloth bags
I use the paper bags or bring my own. I dislike the plastic bags.
I haven’t used plastic bags at the commissary in the 28 years of being a military spouse. The paper bags are so much sturdier to transport my groceries. I now recycle them or reuse. I also have some of the green bags but I use so many bags, it would cost a lot to purchase as many as I need.
Paper. I always ask for paper because I can recycle it. The reusable bags get nasty fast. We’ve got enough disease vectors already.
I do not approve of more requirements /mandates which take away our right to choose. I have 4-5 tote bags and usually remember to take them to the commisary. I only shop there every 4-6 weeks so each trip is a huge power-shopping trip. There is no way I would ever purchase enough bags for my trips. Oh, and have you tried to shop with a buggy already filled with tote bags? I tried it once when I was given 18 bags. I didn’t have room for the groceries! I decided to never try that again and repurposed the totes for school and work. Additionaly, we re-use the plastic bags all over work/home. Just continue the recycling option along with the choice of paper or plastic. My mom cannot carry those heavily loaded paper bags and must have plastic bags, She also reuses the plastic bags at home. Oh, and ewww to the germy bags. I had no idea they were so filthy.
I’ve been using the same green bags I bought at the commissary for the past 8 years. I remember when there was only paper before plastic came into use too.
Plastic was nice at first be cause of the handles but now there are better alternatives.
For those who think they increase risk of food born diseases please show us the studies. The food at the commissary is mostly prepackaged and the fruits and vegetables that aren’t should be washed thoroughly anyway because who k owns who was handling it and set it back in the bin before you buy it. There is now reason a bag full of boxes should get the food any dirtier inside the boxes.
We use paper and we recycle. Some people are allergic to the chemicals used in making the plastic bags. My son breaks out in a rash when he has to handle them.. They can do away with plastic as far as I am concerned.
It will not bother me I can always manage without and bags, I do so at Sam’s and I will do it at our commissary!!! I love our PX and commissary!!!
I mostly use my own shopping bags anyway and if I do get the plastic bags I reuse them for trash bags. If plastic grocery bags are banned and people are buying more plastic trash bags, what good does that do?
by the way, I would rather do without baggers… don’t need them. 5% service charge, plus another 5% I have to pay on tipping, I am not saving much at the commissary.
I use my own cloth bags or request paper. DO NOT like plastic. Too much waste.
I am all for banning them. I do use them in my waste baskets that have wet or messy waste, but, I would figure it out.
No, please let us have one shopping place that we can get plastic if we want. As a retired grocery cashier I can tell you that people bringing in their own bags are also bringing in bugs and other bad things. The new rules for using their own bags are that the cashiers must sanitize the check stand belt every hour but they won’t I bet. Most don’t even know that they are supposed to do it. It is a sanitation problem and causes cross contamination. The grocery stores are making a large profit selling bags for 10 cents. so are going along with this. Our chain used to credit customers only 2 cents for reusing their own ones prior to this. Responsible people reuse their plastic bags for good purposes. Don’t punish everyone; let us have a better choice and save a tree.
EEEWWW! On the bugs in bags issue of cloth ones brought in. Didn’t think about that one. We like the options of plastic, paper, or bring your own cloth bags. When I get too many plastic ones, I request paper and then recycle them each week. We also use them in small waste paper baskets and a way to carry a variety of things. Easy and less heavy than paper. I hope that they don’t take away the choice, sounds like more of an issue than people realize. Me, personally, would prefer not to wash a messy bag in my washing machine that I was carrying around meat, milk, or oil that might have dripped. Yuk! Sorry I’m part of the small minority here.
I’m not sure where you worked, but EVERY Commissary I’ve used in the last 40 years, the bagging is done after the belt, so it’s not the customers’ bags that make sanitizing the belt. The belt requires sanitation because of leaky meat packages and spilled liquids. Bag type shouldn’t affect that requirement. Also, my bags are clean when I bring them in, but not so much after baggers toss them on the floor while bagging.
I don’t like to take the recyclable bags to the commissary because I recycle them myself for my personal use. I reuse them for my dog’s poop bags as well as for garbage bags for small trash cans. I even use them to carry things to people. So I end up reusing every bag that doesn’t have a whole in them.
Every time I go to the commissary I take my reusable bags!
I have used reusable cloth bags for more than 10 years. Wash when needed, spray with Lysol between washes, direct baggers to use specific bags for meat or vegetables. I also make use of the plastic bags for meats and have special mesh bags for produce. This would not affect me in the slightest.
I always try to get paper wherever I shop as I reuse them as garbage bags. They are just the rite size for me
BAN the plastic bags. Never a good idea from the very beginning. Paper rots, plastic takes eons to disappear.
BRING YOUR OWN CLOTH BAGS.
I like plastic bags for fresh produce, and paper for frozen and can/boxed products.
The paper bags are donated to a church charity to redistribute food items to clients.
I prefer the plastic bags. I recycle them at home. At age 75 I find the plastic bags easier to handle and carry items. The paper bags tear even with handles. The cloth bags need to be washed often as some items in the bags may leak or sweat. I would rather pay an additional minimal cost to keep the plastic bags instead of prohibiting the Commissary from using them.
Being in my 80’s., it is easier to use plastic bags, but at times when I buy a lot of groceries, makes for a lot of trips. So I bought a cart that holds 100 pounds, holds a lot of grocery bags no matter what type you use. Has wheels that makes ease in going up or down stairs. I am with Sally, a small charge for bags would be okay with me. I recycle all the bags, paper bags inside plastic bags for newspapers and magazines, plastic bags for junk mail. Both types of bags are being recycled. Let’s face it from what been reading, majority are using bags for other uses in daily living, not recycling the bags. Removing plastic bags from commissaries would mean you would have to pay to replace the FREE ones.
yes if the state or city requires it yes go to paper.
Sometimes, I reuse plastic and paper bags to save the Commissary some overhead which may help in preserving Commissary benefits, but I place no credence in the total-control environmentalist religion. Environmentalist control of our lives would return us to living in an early 19th Century pre-industrial age if we allowed it. It would be like living in the Middle East.
I try to always bring my own cloth bags but it is nice to have options. Bread is best in paper as is eggs. I recycle both. Just hate that the government is again taking choices away from all of us for the abuse of only a few.
I agree it is a choice being taken away. Another freedom gone! Options are better.
thanks to all for me
I use paper doubled as they are very thin and still goes into recycle. I also give to a charitable organization every month and they appreciate the bags.
I reuse plastic bags I get when I buy other items from other stores but always ask for the paper bags from the commissary. I use the paper bags to put in my paper recyclables such as newspapers, envelopes, junk mail, etc .and then throw the filled bag into the recycle bin. The plastic bags are used as trash can liners, for dirty diapers, produce from the garden to give to neighbors, etc, but it would not bother me a bit if they were banned from the commissary since other stores use them and I always have a supply on hand.
I question how sanitary the cloth bags are and don’t like to use them. I do use the heavier plastic bags I get from other grocery stores that are free but have the store’s name on them, ie Wegman’s if I can sanitize them..
Get rid of plastic but keep paper in case you forget your bags. Try to remember but sometimes I run into the commissary when I really do not want to do a shopping trip.
I would like them to continue using plastic bags. I reuse them in so many ways.
Let shoppers decide. Even better, let stores decide. Patrons in California will be used to this where shoppers in other parts of the country will have more objections. There is no reason why a single mandate needs to be enforced from the top down. (The reason for this is to make executives look like they’re doing something and report back to Congress that they’re helping to save the environment.)
I was very surprised to find that our commissary in Stuttgart, Germany uses only plastic bags. Paper bags are not an option. This is disappointing, and seems to be in contrary to the intention to reduce the use of plastic bags. I bring my own reusable bags, but paper bags have many uses around the house and I miss them.
I have no problem with reusable bags. I think a box for plastic bags already in circulation to be reused would be a great idea too. I reuse the current bags for dirty nappies and picking up after animals. But there are other options (smaller bags for that actual purpose thus reducing amount of waste all around). But if someone had a stash of bags they had no intention of using, then let someone else put them to use. And if we make it normal, then it won’t be a hassle to wash our reusable bags on a regular basis and stash them in the car for the next trip. It just takes a positive frame of mind.
I do not use cloth bags. I always recycle my plastic bags. I use them to line my waste paper baskets. Cuts down on the use of larger bags.
With (3) Labs, plastic bags are a must – I use the plastic bags for many other uses like lining my kitchen and bathroom trash containers – so now what to use ? And if these plastic bags are so bad, then why not ban the big 33 gallon ones. The Dog Parks have plastic bag for cleanups – now what should happen there. I use cloth bags most of the time, but use and reuse and reuse and reuse all other plastic bags at home. I bag my own groceries as the baggers at my commissary just don’t have a clue how to bag and they use way too many bags by double bagging and putting just a few items in one bag.
I have been using reusable bags for a long time and prefer those to plastic anyday. Plus you can wash them .
I am disabled so I use the plastic bags. It is much easier for me to use the plastic bags that I can put over an arm to walk with an carry into the house or to the car. Lifting the paper bags is very difficult for me. I reuse the plastic depending on where it is used at times 3-4 times or more till they are not useable and also use them in trashcans in the house so I can lift all the trash and carry it in one trip to the larger trash can. I also found that the paper bags bruised my arms when I carried them. Not a good thing. The plastic works well for carrying things around in the house, using as packing things in moving when regular packing is not available. Find a lot of uses for them after the groceries are home. Have had the paper bags tear and fall apart carrying them as well then everything is on the ground or you carry one item at a time not a good thing
No do not get rid of the plastic
We reuse plastic bags for many things including pickup up dog poop from our three dogs. We would be hard pressed to find and alternative except to buy plastic bags. Ron
When I have the luxury of being able to use the commissary(the post we are stationed at has no housing), I prefer plastic. We reuse the bags when cleaning after our dogs in the yard. I never just toss them out, I always reuse them. If they were removed I think I’d be pretty upset. Paper bags are nice and I can always use a few but nothing like my plastic bags.
I always bring my own bags.
I always bring reusable bags everywhere I go. The Commissary is especially easy. That’s something you plan for (coupons-check, bags-check, list/iPad-check). My first impulse is, heck yeah.. One of the problems with the commissary and plastic bags is since baggers get tipped per bag they use as many as possible. It’s not a big deal if they are using my reusable ones, but that’s a lot of plastic. My own opinion is do what they do in Germany. If you want a bag and didn’t bring a bag, there is a charge.
I believe in recycling even though I use cloth bags at the commissary. I seldom ever throw a plastic bag in the trash as I use them for many other things. Paper bags are not strong enough to hold up under weighty items such as canned goods, milk, detergents, etc and ususally tear before getting groceries in the house. It took forever for the scent of pickle juice to dissipate when the bag the jar was in tore causing the jar of pickles to break as it fell on to the garage cement floor. My suggestion is to keep using plastic bags while encouraging recycling.
I prefer paper bags and I also use reusable bags. I hate having to grab a plastic bag and then it breaks on me.
YES, paper or cloth only please.
I bring carry bags and 2 big big cold bags when I shop with my daughter. We put these items in the car and after we empty them at the house I replace them again in the car for the next shopping trip..
We have always used paper bags. Then we reuse the bags, or recycle by givingthem to charitable organizations who use the bags for their customers.
We personally use commissary green bags and cloth bags. If a customer wants to use paper bags that would be fine we think. BUT A BIG NO TO PLASTIC BAGS.
If plastic were banned we could certainly learn to deal with it and it would be better for us and our world.
A limited ban would be great — no more plastic bags at the checkout but banning plastic in the store would create issues with meat because the packages often leak.I always bring my own cloth bags but the baggers will often put items in plastic before putting them in the cloth bags – like they will put the cat food in a plastic bag first. I find that silly as the cat is very much a part of the family and his food is stored in the pantry next to mine.
It is time to do the right thing and either reuse your own plastic or other bags, Even better, use those fabric bags that can be machine washed and are recyclable. They are sturdier than plastic, hold a lot of groceries…and are environmentally friendly.
Let’s ban those flimsy plastic bags!
the bagers prefer to use plastic over paper- the paper bags are so thin they have to double up just to hold the weight of basic items, and even when you ask them not to use plastic they will still wrap meat or cleaning products it the bags. there is no perk for bring your own bag – and most people just don’t care. maybe if people had to pay for the plastic bags they would starting bring there own??
the NEX offers 5 cents per bag you bring – but they never remember to give you the discount – so why bother.
It is not he plastic bags that are populating the environment, it is the people that do not respect the environment. I agree that the recycle bags are good, but how many people clean them after using them, they do carry germs if not cleaned.
I reuse the plastic bags several times at home for my garden items and trash can liners. Do like the Europeans and charge ten cents a bag perhaps for a heavier weight bag and most will then bring their own when they shop.
I would agree on the ban IF they would reduce the surcharge to 4%. If they are not buying plastic bags, then I would expect them to pass the savings onto me through the surcharge discount.
The only way I would agree to ban the plastic bags would be if the paper bags had handles so that I could carry more than 1 at a time. I only shop at the commissary once a month so my order is VERY large. If I used the paper bags without handles I would have to make numerous trips to the car to bring them in my home. I usually have 30 or 40 bags to tote in as it is. I can’t see doing that with paper bags. I do, however, recycle all of my plastic bags.
I re use my plastic bag to line garbage can empty liter waste and when i walk my dogs i always bring some along, I will miss them.
Continue to use the plastic bags. I reuse my plastic bags at home for several things. Sometimes to clean the cat litter, to line the bathroom trash cans, to use as a barf basket when the kids are sick, sometimes to throw toys in to take to Grandma’s house, and on and on. Reusing cloth bags is not fool-proof either. There have been issues with that. People don’t wash them near enough and get food born illness from it. I don’t like the govt forcing us to do things. The govt knows best right? They treat us as stupid idiots who don’t know better and they mandate us to do things. I am sick of it. No sodas, no plastic bags, no coal, no electricity unless through solar power, etc., etc. Stop letting them dictate to us every single aspect of our lives.
I would like to see all plastic eliminated before we are buried in it.
We always ask for paper, we would be in favor of banning plastic
I agree with ridding the use of plastic. Paper is what I usually use but not sure how cloth would work in distribution of customer. At least with paper it is recyclable and not harmful to the environment.
I have never bought plastic garbage/trash can liners! The only kind of GREEN I’m interested in is preserving the kind that goes in my wallet! If environazis only like reusables, then use them and quit demanding the elimination of what I like! I line the kitchen can with a paper bag and use the plastic bags for gooey/slimy/damp stuff. Also use plastic for cat box residue. I also use the paper bags to store the output of my shredder, then I store it in the garage for use as a fire starter during fire pit season. I use the paper bag to draw “ugly angry liberal” faces for free trick or treat costumes. Then I only send them to the doors of the PC neighbors who insist that anything they don’t like must be banned. Of course, they often get cheated, because these tend to be the same types who want Halloween banned, for whatever un-American reason, or co-opted for some “one world” cause.
I use plastic but I also recycle so it doesn’t matter to me I will use whatever the commissary decides on. What ever is good for the commissary is good for me.
Plastic bags serve the purpose and I do repurpose them. Paper bags are preferred but the thinner bags (more than 25% combined pre and post-consumer recovered material) are often doubled bagged to avoid tearing or a single bag placed inside a plastic bag to avoid tearing of the paper bag. Would use cloth bags if they were larger or carried the same amount of items as paper bags without tearing. Believe cloth bags have some inherent health issues associated with not cleaning (washing) them which takes more resources to do. At the least paper is a renewable resource as has been proven over my lifetime.
My choice is paper, then plastic and finally cloth.
we use all three types of bags here in Alaska.. living over 250 miles from the nearest Commissary. So when we go to “town” to shop it results in a car loaded to the :gunnels” before we get home(that also includes an ice chest or two for the cold items.
we reuse all the bags in some way….in fact some ways that might seem odd to folks. So we will go along with the majority..but plastic bags are nice for carrying that fresh caught salmon from the cleaning table back to the house.!!!!
I always bring reuseable bags to shop with. Ban the plastic, keep the paper.
I like paper because I use the paper bags to line trash cans that they fit. I also reuse the plastic bags in similar fashion. I would be disappointed if I had to start bringing “re-usable” bags whenever I went shopping.
Ban the plastic bags . I reuse the paper bags until they wear out then I put them in recycle.
I use paper bags they are recyclable and the humane center uses them for many things such as bedding paper holds more and the recycle center packs up the ;bags is large bundles and it is used in the process of making new products the amount the govt buys is large and they get a huge discount and a larger one if they recycle on site if put in land fill they rot plastic doesn’t and if plastic gets into streams they kill all wildlife and stop up sewers and water plants
I bring my own cloth bags, but I like having the plastic bags there for my meat, which I don’t like in my cloth bags. I also reuse the few plastic bags I get for bathroom trash cans and throwing away meat packaging and scraps to reduce stink in my trash can.
The reusable bags are not good .There is contamination from packages of meat – unless you put the meat in a bag, a plastic bag. It stays in the material of the reusable bags. When you need to get rid of them, those bags last longer in a landfill than regular plastic bags. The main reason I get plastic grocery bags is to clean up after pets. I keep some for cleaning litter boxes and donate the rest to a shelter for litter box cleanup and cleaning up after dogs.
Ban Plastic….yes. Ban Paper….no. Paper will decompose much faster than plastic.
Ban plastic bags. They are harmful to the environment and some animals that get tangled in them. We can keep growing trees for paper. However, bringing my own is my first choice. Just rememer to throw them in the washer from time to time.
Ban Plastic bags. They are bad for the environment and for animals that sometimes get caught up in them. Paper is ok as it is replenishable. Bringing my own is best – just remember to clean them out or throw them in the washer from time to time.
Do away with the plastic bags. Keep the paper bags. I reuse them as trash and recycle container liners. Paper is sustainable, reusable, recyclable, biodegradable we should them. The only reason the state wants to charge(illegally price fixing) paper bags is to give the supermarkets a free cash bonus for getting on board with the legislation.
Plastic bags are easier to carry. Improper “loading” and wet/moisture causes paper bags to deposit groceries on the ground!!!!!
Plastic bags for me!!!!!
The commissary here in Louisiana has mysteriously been “out” of plastic bags for about a month now. If I had plenty of cloth bags for my trips, I would most definitely be using them. Remembering to purchase them when plastic bags are automatically given, is a different story altogether. But with this new disappearance of plastic, and a paper only thing going at my commissary, it seems it’s time to invest in them. As many people know, it rains a lot in Louisiana. Paper= no good. My latest trip left groceries all over my hallway floor as I ran them from my car to the house while the paper bag (no handles so I can only carry one at a time) disintegrated in my arms. I think it’s time to get rid of paper, charge for plastic, and have sturdy cloth readily available to purchase and use. I really don’t want to have to repeat that nightmarish trip again.
they put to much in the paper bags for me to carry I have to take half out be for I can bring them in and make many trips this way
I don’t think it is a good idea to stop using plastic. One part of the military community the commissary serves is the retiree community and as that part of our community gets older it becomes more difficult to carry packages/parcels. Carrying plastic bags by their handles makes the carrying of packages somewhat easier. As to the comment about ‘green reusable’ bags, those who have really big orders will have to enter the commissary with about 20 of these in hand.
Of course if one is reading the military news, they should be aware of the PentagonDOD/yes Gen Dempsey proposal to significantly reduce the subsdy to DECCA. If this happens ( and those who propose that it does are looking forward to that day) it will only be a matter of time before the commissaries disappear from the military community. Let’s face it, the subsidy is one reason why shopping at the commissary is cheaper that shopping at your local supermarket. Those who propose the reduction in the subsidy are also those who want to eliminate the commissary, at least state side stores.
So banning plastic bags is the least of our worries. We all need to lobby our elected representatives to insure they do not let the reduction in the DECCA subsidy happen. Let them hear you.. This is just another example of the errosion of benefits that our country’s leadership keeps ‘thanking us for our service’ with!
I always use recycle bags, they wash in the washer great also and hang to dry really fast. JJesus Loves You
i use my reusable bags but having plastic for meat and other potentially wet items is nice 🙂
We are retired and travel an hour to the commissary. Since we live in the south, we always take a cooler and prefer our frozen/cold products be put in plastic bags to fit in the cooler. Cloth and paper bags take up too much room. We always recycle our plastic bags.
I do not think they should remove the plastic bags. I reuse my bags to line my smaller garbage cans, If I were not recycling the plastic bags, I would be buying the small size trash bags. Either way, I would be using plastic.
I always use cloth bags
Plastic can be recylced. Cloth bags have to be washed after use. Water is like gold. Keep the plastic please.
I use MacDill AFB commissary when I remember to bring my bags some of the baggers still place paper or plastic bags inside my own, also they double bag the paper bags and waste bags ’cause some baggers place a couple or three items in each bag I question why and always excuse. I have heard also the reason why the baggers use so many bags is for the tips (the more bags you feel you need to tip more).
Personally I am like Flo go with the flow, as far as the issue with bags in reference to contamination unfortunately now days not matter how careful you are there is no aseptic field in the planet including the OR in the hospital..
Hopefully the big brains can find a happy medium in favor of the environment .
Last but not least keep the commissary open
I prefer the paper bags, but I reuse the plastic bags at least once unless I get too many then I donate them to the local thrift store for their use.
What difference does it make that we don’t want you to take away the plastic bags THE MILITARY( IN THIS CASE THE COMMISARY SYSTEM) IS GONNA DO WHAT IT WANTS TO DO, JUST LIKE OUR GOVERNMENT IT DOESN’T CARE ABOUT WHAT “THE PEOPLE” want. It’s gona do what it wants and this vane attempt to get feed back doesn’t really matter- it makes them look like they care… when in essence they don’t ,
I like to have a choice–paper or plastic. Plastic bags are reused in our household for many uses as are paper bags.. The baggers fill the cloth bags too full and are hard for this senior citizen and widow to lift.
I already bring and use my own bags most of the time. As to those few times I forget to bring them or bring in fewer than I need, I prefer the paper bags. When I do get plastic bags I do reuse them for other purposes and eventually recycle them by turning in at a plastic bag collection site. I would not mind the commissary banning plastic bags.
If the commissary bans plastic bags, will they also stop selling commercially produced plastics bags (Glad, Hefty,Presto, etc.)? What about the plastic bags at the BX? Everything from the BX is packed in plastic bags. I think the the answer is recycling. I almost hate to suggest it, but what about charging a deposit on plastic bags? When I was stationed in New York, they charged a deposit on soft drink containers to get you to return them to the commissary to be recycled. The recycling routine stuck with me & I crush my aluminum cans & turn them in for cash. I also recycle newspapers & aluminum cans to the city which uses the money for 4th of July fireworks displays. Many folks hate change but eventually most people will see the need to start cleaning up the planet.
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I use reusable bags including the the ones for cold items. Looking at some of the comments it seems we mucht get the baggers on board with not double bagging. and putting more items in the bags. Everyone needs to do their part the help our environment for future generations.
Paper pleasse. \\\these bags can be reused for so many purposes. Loggers and other industries are employed in their m,anufacture.
I am in favor of helping our environment. As a senior, the plastic bags are lighter and more manageable.
In favor of eliminating the plastic bags.
Keep the plastic. I reuse them for my trash and recycle the remaining. The DECCA/Military systems sure have bigger issues than this to worry about.
Plastic is easier to handle for me and I recycle everything. I don’t have enough cloth bags for shopping at the commissary so………whatever is best for the commissary.
Bringing our own bags is definitely the best solution. However, those who travel over 50 miles, as we do, usually stock up, requiring many bags so…I suggest doing away with plastic bags all together and allow patrons to bring paper or cloth bags. Paper bags only would be provided.
Perhaps incentive could be given, such as a free bottle of apple or orange juice?
I use my own cloth bags. I do not like plastic bags and think they should be banned. All you see is plastic bags blowing everywhere and such an eyesore.
In reference to the person who mentioned 4% surcharge, where have you been? The surcharge is 5% and has been for a long time.
To be honest I find many items in the commissary to be overpriced and can do better in the civilian stores.
My wife and I use plastic, paper and cloth bags, it all depends on where we shop. According to the environmentalists, 1/10 of 1% of the trash blowing around is plastic bags. We must remember it is not the plastic bags fault for being on the ground. It is the person holding the plastic bag that has no respect for the environment. All the comments so far, not one said they threw the plastic bag on the ground and left it there. If the commissary decides to do away with plastic and paper bags, are they willing to give away the cloth bags, considering the cost should equal out. I say let the individual person decide what’s best for them!
Our plastic bags are recycled each day using them for doggie pooh, also used for wet garbage , cleaning out the fridge and freezer, and on occasion using them for freezer bags when necessary. The handles makes it easier for us “older” folks to carry. Have also heard from some clerks, cloth bags really “stink” since most people do not wash them, therefore this becomes a health hazard for anyone handling them.
I reuse the p[astic bags or recycle them. I used to take my cloth bags to the commissary to use, but found that the baggers put too much stuff in them, so they weighed too much for me to handle. This is not a problem with the plastic. I don’t particularly like the paper bags even with handles because they tear too easily. If something leaks, it is only the plastic that keeps it from getting all over the car. Some day I know that plastic will go, but why doesn’t someone make a bag with the advantages of plastic and none of the disadvantages of it.
I am a senior, but prepfer paper bags easier for me to handle as items don’t rattle around like they do in plastic bags plus with some arthritis in my hands plastic bags are hard for me. To carry!!!
If there was a plastic bag ban then people would either have to be OK with paper or bring their reusable grocery bags. This might not be an issue for some although for others it might complicate things. It would be a change BUT one to which we would ALL have to get used.
Of course, there would be lawsuits complaining of discrimination because some couldn’t afford their own bags, but if I needed to carry groceries I’d bring a box, poke, bag or some kids to tote the victuals!! Just save your sheckels and get some reusable bags – and don’t forget to wash them!! Whine, whine, whine!!
I reuse the plastic bags at my jobs. If I get paper bags I take them to the Food Pantry, they are always needing them. I used to use the cloth bags, but now I’m always in need of the others to reuse.
The plastic bags are easy to use do not discontinue. See no valid reason to discontinue.
I try to bring enough reusable bags each trip. I get paper if I didn’t bring enough.. If everyone used reusable bags we would save trees as well.
No plastic bags works for us. Cloth becomes a medium for bacteria.. Plus plastic can be reused.
Keep the paper bags please. I refuse to use the dirty cloth bags. I would like a clean bag each and every time I use the commissary. Thank you.
I always ask for paper bags. Easier to reuse and recycle. Plastic bags will not go away and are big litter item everywhere.
I believe the Commissary and AAFES should eliminate plastic bags. I always ask for paper.
i bring my own cloth but if extras are needed, i request paper
I LIKE plastic bags. I bring cooler bags for my frozen/refrigerated purchases, but even those take up valuable space in my cart-we are a family of six with three strapping boys and a large dog. There is no such thing as a small grocery trip in my family. I reuse those plastic bags (and the ones from a Target, Walmart, Kohls, etc). They line all the small trash cans in my home, I keep some in the minivan to collect refuse, we use them to clean up after the dog, etc. They have MANY uses, so I disagree with those that call them “single-use plastic bags.” The only single-use plastic bags in my home are the large kitchen and yard waste bags we purchase! I would be upset to see the plastic bags become unavailable. If you absolutely MUST quit using them, could we at least move to the Sam’s Club/Costco method of boxing them?
We prefer cloth bags.
My husband is retired military and we combine commissary shopping with quarterly visits to the medical facility for medications. We always use our own bags for any shopping. I would love to see plastic bags banned but would still like the option of paper bags. Since we shop at the commissary on a quarterly basis, the grocery load is a multi=hundred dollar order and we always need the extra paper bags. Paper can be recycled or composted.
I believe produce bags will not be banned, so we will still have these things ending up in the environment.
My wife and I use the canvas and other bags (including insulated ones) we bought at the PX and commissary as much as we can. Sometimes we can’t get all of our purchases in them, so in those cases, we prefer the paper bags (which we recycle) for dry items and plastic bags (which we also recycle) for wet or damp items
Paper bags weigh more than plastic bags. This causes shipping cost to go up. Paper bags use more space. Hand bags are convenient when you have to do light shopping, but no one wants to be hauling several bags in and out of the store. I don’t live in California and every state is different so the commissary should go with the state laws when it comes to grocery bags. What are we going to ban next, plastic bottles, containers, etc. I guess the commissary baggers would love to get rid of plastic so that more people would need them.