What does being a "Liberal" mean? (US)

[glatt]

DC started taxing the plastic bags. It's basically a commuter tax. It has worked. When I go into the shops around here to pick up one or two items, I just hold them or put them in my pockets now.

[HungLikeJesus]

Originally Posted by glatt

DC started taxing the plastic bags. It's basically a commuter tax. It has worked. When I go into the shops around here to pick up one or two items, I just hold them or put them in my pockets now.

Is that a loaf of bread in your pocket...?

[Spexxvet]

Originally Posted by classicman

Great, so now we use paper bags and kill more trees. Deforestation here we come!

Cotton: It's what's for dinner, or something...

[glatt]

Originally Posted by HungLikeJesus

Is that a loaf of bread in your pocket...?

No, actually. But it sure is nice to see you.

[Undertoad]

Originally Posted by glatt

DC started taxing the plastic bags. It's basically a commuter tax. It has worked. When I go into the shops around here to pick up one or two items, I just hold them or put them in my pockets now.

Witness unintended consequences: no bag means more trips, means more energy used.

[HungLikeJesus]

Originally Posted by Undertoad

Witness unintended consequences: no bag means more trips, means more energy used.

You need more pockets.

[glatt]

For me, it makes no real difference. I'm always on foot when I'm shopping in DC, so I'm only ever buying an item or two. A greeting card, or a book, or a toner cartridge, etc. I would always just take the bag because it was too much effort to talk to the clerk and tell them I didn't want one, and I really didn't care either way. But now that each bag costs 10 cents, or something like that, they always ask, and I always say no.

[Happy Monkey]

Originally Posted by glatt

But now that each bag costs 10 cents, or something like that, they always ask, and I always say no.

5 cents tax, plus some stores (even beforehand) would give a 5 cent rebate for bringing a bag. So bringing a bag can save you 10 cents.

Not using a bag at all only saves you the five, though.

[Pico and ME]

Originally Posted by Undertoad

Witness unintended consequences: no bag means more trips, means more energy used.

Aldis charges for their bags and I have noticed that a lot of shoppers there are starting to bring their own. If other stores did the same because of a tax, that would end up being the intended consequence.