Good idea.

I have a collapsible mesh bin on the floor of the backseat, sometimes it goes in the trunk. Pretty much everything we buy goes in it. And we can collapse it when we don.kt want it. We also keep a couple of grocery bags and insulated bage in it. I was looking at it in Costco one day, and a woman was nearby and said she had one and used it for all kinds of things, kids’ summer pool/beach gear, groceries, trips. I’m glad she talked me into it.

For the trunk, my friend took some square dowels, if that makes sense, attached the rough strip of velcro to one long side, and a window handle to the other side. They help hold the rubbermaid bin, any boxes, etc, from sliding around, yet are easilly repositionable or removable. (As to the waste of velcro question, I think she uses the softer strip of the velcro to cushion things like cabinet doors.)

I use collapsible totes from Costco. Don't take up space and even stay put on the back seat of my truck. They fold completely flat.

Rob, I once did that by accident with a Target hand basket. The hand basket got too heavy (how’d that happen?) so I had put it a cart to finish my shopping. Then I set the bagged purchases in the basket in the cart without thinking. When I got to the car I really did just lift the basket into the car, it was cold and I was in a hurry. Halfway home I realized what I had done, and confess I decided ”aaah, forget it”. The basket does come in handy at home.

No I mean like a storage bin. It filled up the whole cart. He brought it from home.

I'm sure stuff like that happens all the time bpath. No judgment from me

I use a laundry basket in the back. It doesn't show. I learned my lesson when I couldn't find a aerosol whip cream a few days after I was sure I got home with it. It was under the back passenger seat, and I was lucky it didn't explode. The car had sat out in the 100 degree heat.

I'd imagine that a plastic bin full of loose, unbagged items, the result of a normal trip to the grocery store that otherwise would be contained in many separate paper or plastic bags, could be too heavy for most people to lift. And having to lift it out of a standard high walled low shopping cart would make it even more difficult.

The idea of using a bin in the trunk to limit movement in transit is a reasonable idea (I usually brace items against the sides and have some carpet clinging blocks to limit movement) but beyond that, I'm not sure.

I have a metal mesh basket that I secured to the back of the trunk with a bungee cord. I use it for things that would otherwise roll around the trunk if not anchored, like a jug of laundry detergent. I don't know what it's like where anybody else lives, but we have to bag our own groceries in our own reusable bags, so when I pack, I am careful to group items and place them in the trunk. And the eggs are always on the passenger seat next to me!

I was in a chain grocery store once where the regional managers were visiting, and helping out at the checkout with bagging. I didn’t pay attention, When I got home, the bread was under the frozen vegetables, the bath soap was with the cereal, the toilet paper under the potatoes. Thereafter I doubly appreciate proper bagging, including putting the HBA items together, besides the frozen together, the squishable on to

and the breakable cushioned.

"No more bags! I still like that idea."

We haven't been able to get bags with our order at the grocery store for several years now , and people use various combinations of reusable bags, bins, boxes, knapsacks, and coolers. Or sometimes just carry their items to the car in their hands or in the shopping cart, depending on how large their order is. I guess they decide what's easiest for them to carry in to their house or apartment. When I lived in an apartment, I didn't use bags at all: Groceries went from the cart to my trunk to a wagon in my apartment parking garage.

" We haven't been able to get bags with our order at the grocery store for several years now "

A mandatory charge for grocery bags came into effect about 10 years ago where I live. The charge is very modest and inoffensive. I think of it as akin to the similarly modest deposit paid on many beverage bottles and cans that has been in effect for as long as I can remember. I'm not sure how many bother to collect the empties to redeem the deposit, the money involved is hardly worth the trouble.

I gladly pay for clean bags and we're careful about putting them in the recycle bin after use. I wouldn't want a law to tell me I can't get a clean bag. Having a charge discourages wasteful use and gives people a choice. If that were to change, it's easy enough to buy a supply of new brown kraft grocery bags. I'd do that and provide my own clean ones for one-time use.

Aldi here sells reusable fabric bags which fit across the trolley so if you place three in the trolley they take up all the space. Then when you empty them onto the conveyer belt you put them back into the same bags as the cashier scans them. When you get home, you just take the bags inside.

" I wouldn't want a law to tell me I can't get a clean bag. "

You can have a clean bag - you just have to bring one from home (either one you've bought, or one you reuse). There's no reason you couldn't have a washable, reusable bag, or choose to buy a supply of plastic or paper ones if you wanted (as you said)....I find paper grocery bags too difficult to carry, and only use bags with handles.

The law doesn't say what you can and can't do regarding bags for your groceries. What a weird interpretation of what I wrote.

Since I began using the reusable bags, they don't go anywhere. Before that, I would use a laundry basket in the back of my SUV to put the bagged groceries into. The bags I use now have a large flat bottom and they don't move around.

BTW, where we live, they have not stopped allowing plastic bags yet. They are free to use as many as you want. I have been using the reusable bags for many years though but I'm one of the few that do around here! Most people just use the plastic bags. *smh*

There's a small charge for plastic bags here but it's enough to have changed people's habits hugely. Almost everyone now brings their own reusable bags, including large bags designed to fit in the shopping cart. With in store hand held scanning it isn't necessary to remove things from the bag at the checkout.

Personally I don't shop by car. Anything I can't walk home with in my rucksack I have delivered.

Where I live, you don't even get a bag when you get take-out food, or when you buy an item of clothing in a store. I have a whole hierarchy of foldable bags in my purse--certain ones for food, certain ones for other things. It was really tough at the beginning. I can't count the number of times I went into the supermarket and then realized that the bags were still in the car. But, like everything else, I got used to it. The new thing now is no more ketchup packets, and no more plastic utensils when you take out food. I very rarely do that, so whatever!

There's ALDI that doesn't provide bags and the only other place I can think of that I shop at that doesn't give bags is Cosmo Prof. I rarely have more than a few items at Cosmo though, so not a big deal.

I thought everyone brought their own grocery bags these days, like I do. They sit nicely in the back of my car. Nothing falls out.

I went to Costco this morning so I snapped a photo of the collaspable bag holders. I have two types and they both work in regular trunks as well. They are very sturdy.

These are pretty old and well used.

We still get bagged here in TN unless you provide your own. I have had a rectangular “carrier” in my cars for over 10 years. There are few types of bags that can prevent groceries from spilling in the back of an SUV or trunk. (And Costco never provided bags). This is a godsend - it keeps things upright and unable to roll around.

Here is the cargo holder.

Joan, the one on the left is the one I have. We like that the ”lip” helps keep things in, but is flexible enough to still allow full use of the interior. The side pouches can hold small items mainly when we travel.

Plastic bags were banned here some years ago. I have a massive collection of fabric bags- they're available at the checkouts (including Aldi) for a dollar if you forget yours. I don't find it onerous to store them folded inside another bag and keep it in the boot of my car so they're there when I need them. Paper bags are 25c but I find it somewhat irksome to discard them into the recycling, it just seems such a waste.

" I want a choice, not a mandate. "

You have a choice, you just don't have all choices.

(eye roll)

Yes, great tip! I did this all the time when I was still getting plastic grocery bags at the store. These days, I use Scout market bags. They stand up in the grocery cart so I do "shop & scan" right into my bag. They stay standing up in the back seat or cargo area of my Jeep, and fold up when not in use. They also clean easily and last forever - I've been using mine for at least five years. They are expensive, but they frequently have sales. SCOUT Bags | Everything You Need, All in One Bag

" Do you care? "

Do I care if I make a positive impression among strangers on the internet? No I do not. I post my opinions, because I want to share my opinions - isn't that what discussion groups are for?

TV, please don't engage. We all know how that goes, it just makes things worse. Be part of the solution, rise above the jabs, and just ignore.

" Be part of the solution, rise above the jabs, and just ignore. "

It depends on my mood. Sometimes I like pointing out ridiculousness, and sometimes I prefer passing it by. Ignoring doesn't create a solution either ;) we've all seen that.

" It depends on my mood. "

Duh. That's more than apparent.

Take it outside.

But by continuing, you only succeed in making the rest of us miserable. Consider that. I'll scroll on by, but please don't prolong it.

sushipup, I'll try to keep a lid on reacting. I respect you and your views.

Isn't the need to do that unfortunate.

bluebell, I need a couple of those Scout bags! My biggest gripe about the reusable bags is that when you open them to put in your groceries, they want to fold back up until you put a few things inside them. Of course, I only paid 99 cents for mine...LOL!

Like and use these. The handles and bag are strong, waterproof, easy to clean, and folds down small and lightweight when empty.

MDLN, Do they stand up without trying to fold closed while you are putting groceries into them?

Here in Pennsylvania, the law varies by township. So,depending on where the store is located , a bag may or may not be provided. In the closest supermarket, which is in my town, they provide plastic bags. In the other stores I frequent, which might be 1/2 mile further, those towns have discontinued bags and you must bring your own.

I think all Wegman's , regardless of township, do not provide bags for free. They are available but for a small price.

On my first trip to Germany many years ago we went with some friends to a grocery store. Silly us, we neglected to pack some old plastic bags for shopping. We were picking up odds and ends like shampoo and body wash and they were getting a few groceries. They had a hand full of the most eclectic weird collection of bags as did the other customers. To check out you had to put your things in bags, talk about no choices, There was a display of reusable bags and I picked an insulated one on the premise it would be good for picnic stuff. The entire store melted down. The idea that we would actually buy a bag . The cashier plainly thought we were insane and kept asking are you sure???? No one seemed to realize you aren't likely to bring old ratty plastic bags from half way round the world. For them it was a sign that Americans are crazy. I never went again without some lightweight synthetic fabric bags with handles, obviously used, that seemed to satisfy people.

I use heavier ones that are coated at home. They stand up well and hold a lot. Costco will give you a box which we either recycle or use as mulch. We like to get a purchased plastic bag or two. They are considerably heavier than the old cheesy ones that always had a hole in the bottom. When they get grummy we use them for the cat box. Win win.

patriciae

Nearly all our plastic bags and paper ones too get reused, whether for waste can liners, a ”cap” for keeping something dry, catching debris. Some paper bags are for the paper and cardboard that get recycled, and some go to the food pantry. Some plastic and paper bags go to the charity resale shop, whether they have donations in them or not. When I buy a few things there, if I get a bag, that bag ends up going back to be used again. We use the bags for other purposes around the house, whenever something needs to be temporarily corralled and we don’t have a pail the right size.

But we also use our reusable bags, I keep a light nylon one in my purse (folded up in one of those fabric kleenex packs ladies used to put their purse).

Maybe I’m a little over the top, but years ago a cleaning lady took 5 minutes to fold all my plastic bags in the drawer where they were stashed. Changed my life, pardon the hyperbole. But it’s easy to find the one I want, they take up less room, and they are easier to unfold than to uncrumple. They line up perfectly in a shoebox in the drawer. For really over-the-top, they are color-blocked, probably watched one too many episodes of The Home Edit, but it sure looks better.

arkansas girl, yes, the material is stiff enough to hold the upright shape. The smaller one (that I usually use) more than the large one.

@bpath, I 'm not too swift with folding but I 'd love to see what that looks like.

What I've been doing for a few years is also due to some organizing pro I came across o the web, and that is to stuff the plastic bags in an empty tissue box. I really like it because they're all contained and with minimal effort.

I have an assortment the cloth bags along with the larger coated bags. We do reuse just about any bag we get while shopping as you describied.

When we travel, we usually stay in self catering houses/apartments, so I always take the shopping bags in my collection which are lightweight nylon and which fold up into a little pouch which is attached to the top of the bag. They weigh almost nothing and take up a poofteenth of space and are handy for grocery shoppping.