If I go shopping at a mall, would they let me take my clothes in a tote instead of plastic bags?6 replies

i know the grocery store lets my mom do that, but how about when i go out shopping? would they let me take the clothes with me in my tote insead of getting so many plastic bags from different stores?
and would that be considered recycling? if not, then what is it called when you do this?

• How do I make a tote bag from empty clean potato chip and snack food bags?
• Where can i find the American Eagle sparkly canvas tote bag in navy blue?
• where can i buy rolling stones tote bags?
• Where can I buy messenger bags?
• What designers make large tote bags that can be used for school?

1. elfie said on February 25, 2009 at 10:01 pm

   yes. I do it all the time. it is called reusing.
2. smashing ash said on February 26, 2009 at 8:05 am

   Yes of course! you can always ask to not get a bag. Just tell them before they start packing up your stuff, and if they insist, I say yell at them! haha.

   And no, this is not considered recycling. This is reducing. Because you aren’t consuming as much stuff and creating as much waste. So you are REDUCING the amount of plastic bags you use. Also reusing, because you are REUSING your tote bag. So you are doing two of the Rs all in one!

   WHICH IS GREAT!!! You rock!
3. big nickel said on February 26, 2009 at 1:58 pm

   yes in fact some stores that have bonus programs will give you extra points if you do so (Zellers in Canada will give you 1000 Club Z points)
4. Becca B said on February 28, 2009 at 3:27 pm

   Yes definitely. You will actually be doing the store a favor too since those bags don’t grow on trees and they have to purchase them with money. Definitely tell them upfront though, or they might get grouchy about having to re-bag!
5. bigcamper50 said on March 3, 2009 at 12:07 pm

   it is fashionable to use tote bags these days
6. bestdealshopper said on March 4, 2009 at 1:17 am

   I’ve never seen it, but it definitely should be allowed. Just be ready for someone to inspect your bag entering the store.

   William