clutter

fedward:

But between the two extremes I guess I’m already closer to the latter than the former, at least in spirit.  We’ve had our original reusable bags for so long I’m not even sure when we got them, and we’ve added a few more here and there through giveaways, so we’re already set on that front.  The ones we paid for have more than paid for themselves in convenience, not to mention the bag tax, so I have no complaints.

I don’t remember a reusable bag every time I stop at the store on the way home from work (Virginia doesn’t yet have a bag tax, but we’re on the verge of moving into the District), but when I do, I always ask myself why I don’t make more of an effort. If I’m buying heavy stuff, I’d much rather carry it in a reusable bag, which holds more- I hate running back out to the car for a second round of bags! - and does so with much sturdier handles that I can frequently put over my shoulder instead of letting strained plastic cut into my palms.

I just don’t understand all the woe over a bag tax. Yes, remembering to bring one is marginally less convenient than being provided with one, but it’s just logistically better to use an old tote bag.