Treehugger posted today about these bags made out of old newspapers for shops to use instead of plastic when customers don't bring their own bags.

These have been around for forever in India and it seemed to me that people there made their own or got local people to make them as a means of employment. These bags cost 50 cents each! It seems a bit crazy to me to have to spend so much on these used newspapers. oh, and it costs an extra 10 cents per bag just to get a logo stamped on it! seems a bit nutty to me. I wish more stores would ask whether people want a bag or not before putting things in a plastic one. sometimes when is say i don't want a bag then they throw out the one they would've give to me! crazy.
Anyone else have stories to share about this? Do you generally find that stores are okay with you bringing your own bags or do you get hassled sometimes?
Here is a bit more about the newspaper bags from Treehugger:
Here's an idea for eco-retailers, especially those who can't rely on their customers to always BYOB (which is to say, all of them). Measuring 12x16 inches, these paper carriers are made from several layers of used newspaper, along with sturdy cardboard bases, so no new paper is used in the process.
Each bag costs 50 cents, with a minimum order of 50 bags. You can even customize the bags with your store's logo for an extra 10 cents per bag, although you'll need to order a minimum of 500 bags to begin with. ::Handmade Expressions
Ralph Lauren
These are really awesome! The only thing I wonder is if the ink will rub off onto what you buy. But these are definately worth rockin.
1*firecracker*
These are actually really cool! Great idea...
2Cool!!
3These are cool, remind me of origami. I wonder how much they can hold.
4very nice!
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5Anyone can have the facts, but having opinions is an art.
Cold, wet, stuff will not bust the bottom of these?
6Hmm, I see what you mean. It's not a perfect solution. But, it does seem better than bags made out of new pulp or whatever.
7yes, i agree that these are way better than plastic or new-paper bags. i guess i just don't see why they cost so much. do shop owners spend so much on bags? just wondering... like, do those shopping bags that are really nice cost a few dollars or something? iguess they are a form of advertising, though.
8Redhot--that is so cool
9tdamji - I think they are pretty expensive. At our commissary they've been pushing everybody to use paper bags instead of plastic to save money. I don't know exactly how much they cost, but I don't think its negligible.
10These are neat!
11Great idea! tdamji - I usually have good experiences with stores when I say I don't need a bag, particularly smaller stores where they seem to be more aware of their costs and don't mind saving the few pennies from me not using a bag. However, stores like Safeway use way too many bags and don't seem to make efforts to conserve or promote reusable bags.
12Theer are great, but I am not sure they would work very well for groceries, because they are made of newspapers. But other than that, love the idea of them.
Most markets in my area allow you to bring in your own shopping bags.
Style Before Comfort!
13they look nice. But yeah, do they can carry heavy groceries¿?¿
14These would be great to make as personal gift bags.
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